A Family Court judge has ruled that she no longer has jurisdiction over a child custody case involving an attorney who has accused her of misconduct.

Las Vegas attorney Randy Rumph, who represents himself in the matter, tried unsuccessfully to remove Judge Cheryl Moss from the case earlier this year.

He accused Moss of giving preferential treatment to lawyers who have donated to her campaigns, including his ex-wife's lawyer, Peter Bellon. Two of the judge's former law clerks submitted sworn statements that supported the claim.

In August, Chief District Judge Kathy Hardcastle denied Rumph's request to remove Moss from the custody case, ruling that the attorney's position lacked legal authority.

"What is presented is rumor and innuendo," the chief judge wrote.

Rumph returned to Moss' courtroom last week and told her he had filed documents from the case in Ridgecrest, Calif., where his ex-wife now lives with the couple's four children.

The attorney also said he now considers Bakersfield, Calif., his primary residence.

Moss ruled, over Bellon's objection, that the case now should be litigated in California.

"It's unfortunate, and I'm not going to speculate as to why the judge did it," Bellon said.

The attorney said he raised questions about jurisdiction in April, and Rumph "vehemently denied" at the time that he was a California resident.

"Now, because he can't recuse her, he lives in California," Bellon said.

Rumph said he has rented an apartment in Bakersfield since December to be closer to his children.

He also said he started a law practice in Bakersfield at the same time and considers that his primary practice, although he continues to live and work part time in Las Vegas.

Bellon said he thinks Rumph found a way "to circumvent the system." However, Bellon will not appeal Moss' decision.

"Bottom line, I think it will be best for everybody," he said.

Bellon is not licensed to practice in California. He said his client already has hired a new attorney.

Rumph and his wife, Helen, were divorced in December 2002 after 21 years of marriage. They were given joint custody of their children.

Randy Rumph said Bellon first showed up to represent his ex-wife at a hearing in August 2003. After the hearing, Moss granted the woman's request to move to California with the children.

Records indicate that Bellon donated $300 to Moss' campaign in 2000 and $500 in 2002. He denies that Moss has given him preferential treatment.

"This is just further proof, isn't it?" Bellon said after last week's ruling.

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