MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A suspended municipal judge is now working for the city of Montgomery.

WSFA-TV reports Mayor Todd Strange confirmed Judge Lester Hayes is assisting the Office of City Investigations in legal matters.

In November, the Court of the Judiciary suspended Hayes for 11 months for imprisoning those who couldn’t afford to pay fines, grossly deficient record keeping and employing a company to oversee debt collection.

Strange defended the hire, saying Hayes is not working as a judge or an attorney but is providing expertise in legal matters or challenges for City Investigations.

Hayes’ contract with the city pays $6,500 a month.