Court documents shed light on allegations against Max Ralston James Jr.
IFN Staff
The attorney for a former Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education member who faces felony charges plans to pursue legal action against individuals who have made false and defamatory statements against his client.
Max Ralston James Jr., 63, of Tabor Road, Olin, was arrested on September 27 after an Iredell County grand jury returned indictments charging him with felony attempted obstruction of justice and conspiracy based on evidence presented by an N.C. State Bureau of Investigation special agent.
Comments made by several individuals on social media in connection with news reports of James’ arrest disparaged his good name and character, said attorney Ken Darty, who has been retained by James.
“I am absolutely shocked at the ignorance of the general public to assume without facts that someone is guilty of a crime merely because he is charged,” Darty said in a statement. “Mr. James, according to the indictment, is not alleged to have committed any crime associated with victim’s rights, which may include crimes against a person or any financial interest.
“Thus, anyone that accuses him of such in writing will be held accountable for libel, slander, and defamation of character in a competent court here in Iredell County,” he added. “Mr. James is a very good man and has been a law-abiding individual his entire life and the charges against him appeared to be politically motivated. While I do not have all the information necessary to draw any firm conclusions, my client is presumed innocent until otherwise proven guilty.”
James, who is free on $8,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court on December 15.
Documents filed in Iredell County Superior Court following James’ arrest shed some light on the allegations against the former I-SS Board member.
The charges stem from his association with a convicted felon named Christina Maria Griffin.
In March, while Griffin, 33, was on probation for two felony convictions in Stanly County, she was under the supervision of probation officers in Iredell County.
The grand jury found probable cause to charge James with attempting to obstruct justice by “knowingly and intentionally providing false and fictitious documents” related to Griffin’s Day Mark attendance to the Iredell County Public Defender’s Office and Iredell County Superior Court, according to court records.
James is also charged with conspiring with Griffin to commit felony obstruction of justice.
Griffin, who was convicted of breaking or entering and obtaining property by false pretense in Stanly County on June 30, 2024, received a suspended sentence and probation for those convictions.
She was subsequently arrested and charged with violating the conditions of her probation in Iredell County after probation officers reported that she tested positive for methamphetamine/amphetamines and fentanyl in December of 2024.
On March 24, Griffin admitted to violating the terms of her probation in Iredell County Superior Court. Judge David H. Strickland revoked her probation and ordered her to serve 8-19 months in prison.
The grand jury indicted Griffin on the same felony charges as James. Her next court date is December 1.
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