LAKE CHARLES, La. — Dr. Matthews held a Zoom interview with John C. J. King Sr. and his wife, Shunte King, who alleged that Judge Ron Richard denied medical accommodations, threatened contempt proceedings and retaliated against them during a civil dispute in Lake Charles City Court.

The Kings said the dispute began after John King’s 2011 Chevrolet Traverse was transferred without his authorization. They said Renee Amos notarized the transaction in Calcasieu Parish on Sept. 7, 2021, while King was working in New Jersey.

King maintained that he never signed the title or authorized the transfer. The couple said work records, gym attendance records and sworn witness affidavits supported his account.

After police reports resulted in no criminal charges and an insurance claim was denied, King pursued a civil lawsuit against Amos and her surety.

The Kings alleged that Richard denied requests for a continuance or remote participation despite medical documentation describing King’s spinal condition, seizures and restrictions on air travel. Shunte King also alleged that Richard threatened contempt proceedings against her if her husband failed to appear, although she was not a party to the lawsuit.

The couple attended the Nov. 14, 2024, trial. According to the Kings, Richard accepted John King’s testimony that he was outside Louisiana when the transaction occurred but dismissed the lawsuit against Amos, finding that King had not established who appeared before her.

The Kings said John King experienced severe medical distress during questioning after the civil trial. Shunte King said she called 911 to request emergency assistance.

Richard subsequently ordered Shunte King to appear for a contempt hearing, alleging that she intentionally interrupted proceedings by calling 911 to remove her husband from the courtroom. Richard disputed that King experienced a seizure and characterized the call as an attempt to disrupt proceedings, according to the account presented during the interview.

Attorney Oliver Schrumpf notified the court that he did not represent Shunte King in the contempt matter and disputed attempted service through his office, the couple said.

The Kings said an appeal order was signed Dec. 3, 2024. They said the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal granted relief on Feb. 6, 2025, reversing Richard’s subsequent decision to revoke King’s status allowing him to proceed without prepaying court costs. They said the ruling also found that the trial court improperly scheduled certain motions and ordered counsel to appear after jurisdiction over those matters had transferred to the appellate court.

The couple also disputed a court balance of $5,397.36, including a $500 contempt fine they alleged was improperly included as a civil court cost.

The Kings said they filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the Western District of Louisiana. Their allegations include denial of disability accommodations, retaliation, due process violations and disclosure of Shunte King’s protected address.

Dr. Matthews said she plans to continue publicizing the couple’s allegations and supporting materials