Judge Elizabeth Halverson is taken ill

Judge Halverson suffered what her attorney called a "hypoglycemic" event this morning. Her attorney says the judge's blood sugar level became low, and she was unable to continue her testimony.

Judge Halverson spent more than an hour on the witness stand this morning. But when the regular morning break was taken at about 10 a.m. -- Judge Halverson did not return.

Judge Halverson had been speaking of her desire to be a judge -- and of an unsuccessful run for family court in 2004.

It's a tale that includes accusations of sexual and verbal harassment, misconduct with jurors, and even an instance where the judge fell asleep in the middle of a case. News 3's Collette Wieland went live to the Las Vegas Convention Center to report Thursday's developments.

The presiding judge originally said that the trial would end Friday, but as of Thursday morning, he has had a change of heart. The judge says that the hearing will now continue into next week, most likely resuming on Thursday. The federal hearing that denied Halverson's requests to stop the proceedings has caused a delay in the prosecution's testimony.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal said Halverson publicly addressed the allegations against her in a tirade at Tuesday's federal court hearing. The newspaper said she contended the charges were the result of bad blood between her and Chief Judge Kathy Hardcastle.

"This is a bunch of hype," she said. "I have the absolute right to be acquitted of these charges."

Her ex-bailiff, Johnnie Jordan, testified that Halverson treated him like a slave, forcing him to rub her feat and ordering him to spy on other judges. At one point, Jordan lashed out, yelling out, quote, "I can't stand what she did to me!" The hearing was briefly stopped to give Jordan time to compose himself. Halverson, who is representing herself, faces a 14-count complaint. It alleges she fell asleep on the bench, had improper contact with jurors, and created a "hostile work environment" for courthouse employees.

Johnny Jordan also said during the hearing, expected to last all week, that he heard Halverson scream and swear at her husband and at court employees.

Halverson, who is on paid administrative leave from her $130,000-a-year elective post, is accused of creating a hostile work environment, improperly communicating with jurors, and falling asleep on the bench, among other charges.

Jordan was reassigned from his bailiff's job after complaining to the Clark County Office of Diversity that he was demeaned and mistreated. He had alleged that Halverson, who uses a motorized wheelchair, had him put her shoes on her, rub her feet and give her back massages.

Jordan also had said he had to make sure Halverson's breathing-oxygen tank was filled appropriately, and was required to clean sunflower seeds and cookie crumbs from the floors of her chambers.