An area district attorney is angrily denying a charge of racism. It's a judge's ruling that has the D.A. upset because the judge concludes race played a factor in a recent decision made by the district attorney about a black defendant.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar told Channel 6 News he feels like he's been blindsided by County Judge Thomas Kistler. Its Kistler's ruling, made earlier this week, that has Gricar livid - and going to great lengths to deny that race had anything to do with how he handled a recent court case.

District Attorney Ray Gricar says he doesn't understand the ruling made by Judge Tom Kistler. The case started in downtown State College, back in April, when Jamar Williams made a wrong turn onto Beaver Avenue, which is a one way street. Williams, who is black, was stopped by police and charged with drunk driving. But Williams application into the A.R.D. program, for first time offenders was denied by Gricar. The judge ruled that with others, who are white with similar situations being admitted to the program, race must have been a factor.

Gricar claims the wrong way driving on a one way street had been part of his ARD application policy for 18 years. But Williams attorney, who used to work for Gricar as an Assistant D.A., says she never heard of the policy while at the D.A.'s office.