KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Cocke County judge wants records showing a previous official misconduct charge against him was dismissed.

General Sessions Judge John Bell is accused of directing defendants who had cases before him to East Tennessee Probation Inc.

The state-licensed private company is operated by Tommy Large -- the husband of the sister of Bell's wife.

The Knoxville News Sentinel quoted Bell's lawyer as saying his client was cleared of similar allegations several years ago.

State rules regarding nepotism were changed in 2005 and the charges were filed again by Dan Metcalf.

The Tennessee Court of the Judiciary is scheduled to try Bell Sept. 22 in Newport.

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