MARIETTA - Cobb's State Court judges on Monday recused themselves from hearing the case against Diane Busch, a Marietta attorney and part-time judge charged with furnishing alcohol to 10 teenagers at her home on Dec. 22.

The judges requested that the Administrative District judge assign a judge from outside the Cobb Judicial Circuit to preside over the case.

"The accused has been a part-time judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Marietta, which is a court within the Cobb Judicial Circuit," and has served as a substitute judge in State Court, according to the recusal order signed Monday by Toby Prodgers, chief judge of the State Court of Cobb County.

Busch, 47, was arrested Friday after she turned herself in at Cobb County Jail. After posting $3,500 bond, she was given a May 7 court date, although it is unclear whether the request for an outside judge will delay that.

Also on Monday, the city of Woodstock confirmed that Busch had resigned as that city's chief municipal judge after she was charged with 21 misdemeanor counts, including obstruction of justice, on Friday.

"While I am proud of my exemplary record as your judge over the past 7 years, it is clear I cannot be effectively focused on my duties while the matter in Cobb County is pending," Busch apparently wrote in a letter dated March 8 to Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques. The letter does not have a signature.

"Although a Cobb County resident, I have considered Woodstock my city since I took over as Solicitor in 1994. I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been appointed judge in 2003," the letter states. "I am very proud of our court and I hope you are as well."

Busch was also charged with obstruction of justice, for lying to a police officer on Dec. 22 regarding the whereabouts of one teenager, according to the warrant.

The case against Kathryn Middleton, 46, a real-estate agent and friend of Busch's who is facing the same charges minus obstruction, has not yet been assigned to a State Court judge, according to the clerk's office. Middleton is also scheduled to appear in court on May 7.

Ten teenagers were cited for underage drinking at Busch's home on Dec. 22. Six of those were under age 16, and their cases are being handled in juvenile court.

Of the four who were 17 or older, one has had his case dismissed after completing the diversion program for first-time offenders. The other three each have court hearings this month.