Coopertown, Tenn. ? A judge on Thursday suspended a mayor who is accused of using racial slurs, intimidating political opponents and operating a speed trap to collect cash for his city.

Danny Crosby, mayor of Coopertown in northern Tennessee, was temporarily removed from office while a civil suit filed by the state seeking to oust him permanently is pending. Trial is set for Nov. 13.

About 500 of the town’s 3,000 residents signed a petition to remove Crosby, who was elected in 2004.