judicial conduct commission ky
5Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, April 13, 2017, Family Court Judge Kathy W. Stein, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. 2Agreed Order of Permanent Retirement, Dec. 18, 2019, Circuit Judge Beth L. Maze, 21st Judicial Circuit, Div. Download the document below to read the JCC's order in full. All rights reserved. Develop and implement initiatives to increase access to the courts and meaningful use of the judicial process, such as creative pro bono opportunities, strategic uses of technology and enhanced community education. And she said Jameson pressured her to make a bar complaint against Amy Harwood-Jackson, a public defender who supports his opponent. A native of western Kentucky, Operle earned his bachelor's degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2014. The Judicial Conduct Commission of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commission) was created for the purpose of, and is vested with the jurisdiction to initiate, hear and decide charges of official misconduct by any judge of the Court of Justice or lawyer whil e a candidate for judicial office, and upon a finding of such official misconduct, to . The complaint filed with the judicial commission said Atkins entered the gallery during jury deliberations and spoke with the victims families and members of the church. The commission only has the authority to review complaints made against elected circuit court clerks and not the nonelected deputy circuit court clerks or office staff. The other case was a third-degree assault case involving Tarvous Haskins. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 4, 2020, Family Court Judge Dawn M. Gentry, 16th Judicial Circuit, Family Div. Fax: 859-901-1618, State Capitol700 Capital Ave., Room 231Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-564-4162. All rights reserved. Russell D. Alred was a Kentucky Circuit Courts judge for the Twenty-Sixth Circuit, serving Harlan County of Kentucky. It went on to say that security cameras should be required in daycare centers. ", In its findings of fact, the JCC says the allegations it was presented with in initial complaints and in formal hearings "include serious claims of lack of judicial temperament, abuse of contempt power, due process violations, abuse of judicial office/power, improper implementation, use and administration of ankle monitors and processes, fundraising matters, 'bid rigging,' incidents taking place in the Marshall County courthouse investigated by the Marshall County Sheriffs office, obstruction of justice, misuse and abuse of power, various improprieties as a judicial officer, the appearance of impropriety, improper exercise of influence, misusing and abusing the prestige and power of his judicial office, retaliation, and a lack of candor to the relevant tribunals. Count III: That Jameson mismanaged his courtroom, retaliated against individuals and deviated from the acceptable standards of judicial conduct (During the four days of hearings, two points included in this count were dismissed, including an accusation that Jameson required people in his courtroom to attend Riverwoods Recovery over other treatment options and an accusation that he regularly represented Riverwoods as the only intensive out-patient treatment program available). Judicial Conduct Commission; Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission; Resources for New Judges; Court Personnel Directory; Report Fraud, Waste & Abuse; Request Court Records; COVID-19; Court ADA; Site Map; Policies; Security; Disclaimer; Accessibility; Administrative Office of the Courts. The mission of the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission is to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct and promote public. Increase public awareness of civil legal aid and the justice system and their positive impact on the state and local communities. The attorney in question served on Judge Gentry's GAL panel. The JCCs mission is to protect the public, to encourage judges, commissioners and candidates for judicial office to maintain high standards of conduct, and to promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary. 426 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9E4A0BA5A930054F8A0C782B6CA91317>]/Index[413 29]/Info 412 0 R/Length 78/Prev 352845/Root 414 0 R/Size 442/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream All rights reserved. In vacating the suspension, the high court did not weigh in on the validity of the misconduct allegations. Ht0D4p40,:XP@I`HLI P. Justice VanMeter served the Court of Appeals as acting Chief Judge during 2010, as Chief Judge Pro Tempore from 2007 to 2010, as its representative on the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary from 2004 to 2012, and as its alternate member on the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission from 2012 to 2016. Other opinions that are currently valid should be followed with caution in light of recent federal court rulings that are on appeal. The center offers free legal information for people handling certain civil legal matters on their own. As a result of the complaint, attorneys for Paige Williams and Abby Leach, who are on trial this week for complicity to abuse stemming from the charges against Morgan and Allison Simpson, requested Atkins recuse himself from the case, which he granted. Any individual or group with knowledge of possible circuit court clerk misconduct or wrongdoing may file a written complaint. "I honestly believe 100% when the people from the community I grew up in see what they are labeling as allegations and charges [they'll say], 'Why in the world does anybody think this is wrong? The person who filed the complaint may be subpoenaed as a witness if he or she has personal knowledge of wrongdoing. If no misconduct is found, the complaint will be dismissed. From 1994 to 1999, he served as a judge of the Fayette District Court, 22nd District, Division 1. Also, the JEC does not respond to inquiries from any person who is not a judge or judicial candidate. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, July 10, 2015, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. endstream endobj 417 0 obj <>stream Judge Gentry's order appointing the three attorneys, entered . ", In the final order, the commission says Jameson's misconduct "was not isolated but was a pattern of repeated conduct over an extended period of time. The members include one member and one alternate from District Court, Circuit Court and the Kentucky Court of Appeals, each chosen by a majority vote of their respective courts; one member and one alternate appointed by the governing body of the Kentucky Bar Association; and two citizen members (neither judges nor attorneys) appointed by the governor. Wakefield interrogated people in open court without regard to their privilege against self-incrimination, according to. "Tojustify his conduct, he expressed his belief that 'generational' differences motivate modernjudges to be more involved in finding solutions to societys problems," the order states. This story has been updated. The Judicial Conduct Commission (Commission) determined that Julia Hawes Gordon, Family Court Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Daviess County, Kentucky, committed judicial misconduct as charged in five of the six counts against her and ordered that she be removed from office. And in 2019, Kentucky became one of 11 states to receive a Updated July 14, 2021 4:15 PM A former Bullitt County master commissioner was publicly reprimanded Tuesday by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission over an accusation that he. PoorBest. Jameson is facing four charges of misconduct from the commission, including allegedly: The document released by the commission fully outlines each charge, citing laws, statutes and codes of conduct as they apply to Jameson charges. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer. When needed, the JCC conducts hearings regarding the alleged misconduct. g:JZp{yxG5/mkV3?8zjwe)c,aBg*; The Judicial Ethics Committee operates under Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), Kentucky's Justice for All Strategic Action Plan, New Legal Help Center in Fayette County offers free legal information, forms and guided interviews, Access to Justice Commission awarded $326,195 in COSSAP funding. Morgan has filed a motion for Atkins to recuse himself in her appeal, which he denied. Ruttle violated three rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct for. 6Agreed Order of Suspension, Aug. 8, 2016Proceedings - Feb. 18-Aug. 11, 2016, District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich, 17th Judicial District, Div. 2Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, Feb. 24, 2017, Family Court Judge Timothy N. Philpot, 22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Div. To attempt to change the outcome of your case, please discuss this with an attorney immediately. Justice VanMeter is married to Fayette Circuit Judge, Lucy A. VanMeter. Justice VanMeter was born in 1958 in Lexington, and was raised in Winchester. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. In the three-page document released Thursday, the commission received a complaint and conducted an investigation into comments Atkins made during the criminal abuse trial of Nina Morgan last year. That suspension was vacated by the Kentucky Supreme Court on Monday, because the JCC voted to suspend Jameson on a 3-2 vote, when the law requires at least four votes to suspend a judge. 5Agreed Order of Disability Retirement, Aug. 23, 2016Order of Temporary Retirement, May 2, 2016, Circuit Court Judge Olu A. Stevens, 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. You have permission to edit this article. When Kentucky (20-9, 11-5 Southeastern Conference) closes out the home portion of the schedule against Vanderbilt (16-13, 9-7) Wednesday night, the No. 3. All rights reserved. Executive Director Glenda Harrison worked for more than 40 years with the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, most recently as its advocacy director. Jameson was also accused of unbecoming conduct. The JCC also has authority over trial commissioners, domestic relations commissioners, master commissioners and attorneys who are candidates for judicial office. Court of Appeals Judge Jeff S. Taylor, 2nd Appellate District, 1st Division, Pike County Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman, 35th Judicial Circuit, Division 1, Carroll/Grant/Owen Counties District Judge Elizabeth A. Chandler, 15th Judicial District, Division 1, Carroll M. "Trip" Redford III, Lexington, Court of Appeals Judge Glenn E. Acree, 5th Appellate District, 2nd Division, Jefferson Circuit Judge Mitch Perry, 30th Judicial Circuit, Division 3, Green/Marion/Taylor/Washington Counties District Judge Amy S. Anderson, 11th Judicial District, Division 1, Agreed Order of Suspension, March 1, 2023, Formal Proceedings, June 13, 2022-Oct. 10, 2022Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 4, 2022, Family Court Judge Julia H. Gordon, 6th Judicial Circuit, Division 3Proceedings, including Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 21, 2021-May 2, 2022Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, April 22, 20222022-SC-0171-RR, Oct. 22, 2022, John A. Schmidt, Bullitt County Master Commissioner (former)Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, July 13, 2021Proceedings Aug. 18, 2020-Jan. 8, 2021, Circuit Judge Robert Conley, 20th Judicial Circuit, Div. A public reprimand was issued against Christian County Circuit Judge John L. Atkins, after finding that he improperly contacted a police officer who [] Circuit court clerks perform duties prescribed by the Kentucky Constitution, statutes, rules and administrative procedures that are integral to Kentucky Court of Justice operations. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Jan. 17, 2019, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - A sitting circuit judge from western Kentucky was ordered removed from office by the Judicial Conduct Commission on Friday after it found him guilty on seven counts of judicial misconduct. For historical purposes, however, the opinions considered invalid and withdrawn are still contained on the website. This is what a judge ought to be doing,'" Jameson said. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Circuit Judge Atkins Given Public Reprimand by State Judicial Conduct Commission March 2, 2023 News Edge Newsroom News Edge Christian County Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins has received a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission regarding his conduct in a pair of criminal cases he oversaw. Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson following a daylong hearing in which he told commissioners they were being used for political purposes, The Paducah Sun reported. FILE - Marshall County Circuit Court Judge Jamie Jameson listens to proceedings during a hearing at the Marshall County Judicial Building in Benton, Ky., Monday, March 12, 2018. Noteworthy events Misconduct charges filed (2011) The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission publicly announced in late March 2011 that it was investigating 20 counts of judicial misconduct against . endstream endobj 414 0 obj <> endobj 415 0 obj <> endobj 416 0 obj <>stream His violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct were extensive and frequent. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide justice systems and services and periodically report the findings to interested parties in Kentucky. The charges included . 13 In Nicholson v. The rules governing the JCC require confidentiality during the investigation process. The case this week is being heard by Muhlenberg County Circuit Judge Brian Wiggins. Click here to see the Code. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. 3Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, June 12, 2018, Circuit Judge Charles L. Cunningham Jr., 30th Judicial Circuit, Div. 1Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, June 17, 2015Proceedings - Feb. 19-April 28, 2015, District Judge Sandra L. McLaughlin, 30th Judicial District, Div. 2. Home Chambers5 Cleveland Ave., Suite 500Winchester, KY 40391Phone: 859-901-1616 And using the influence and prestige of his office to pressure attorneys, individuals, and groups to fund and support your political campaign, going as far as saying that certain monetary contributions were not sufficient.. vB&!nBP\Ni,(E:*{FX4SyD!28M1p?gq{Yg&(1F1;. The complaint form is available in PDF format and is fillable online. The complaint said Atkins consulted with the police officer who was the victim outside the court proceedings and then used the content of the conversation during the sentencing hearing although the officer did not testify. The Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct forms the basis of JEC opinions. The Judicial Conduct Commission's review is not focused merely on the judge's findings, conclusions, and ultimate judgment, but on the judge's demeanor, motivation, or conduct in following (or in not following) the law. The order the commission issued Friday found Jameson guilty of all counts. Justice VanMeter was appointed and then elected to the Fayette Circuit Court bench in 1999 on which he served until his election to the Court of Appeals. The evidence to sustain the charges before the Commission must be "clear and convincing." 502-573-2350 . If the complaint states facts that, if true, would constitute official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct, then a copy of the complaint, including the name of the person who filed the complaint, will be provided to the circuit court clerk under investigation. Justice VanMeter has been actively involved in a number of community organizations, including Little League Baseball, Lexington Youth Soccer, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, Parents Place, the University of Kentucky Libraries National Advisory Board, and has served on the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral, on the Vanderbilt University Alumni Board of Directors, and on the Sayre School Board of Trustees. Final disposition of some complaints takes several months or longer. 5Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Aug. 31, 2020Proceedings - Nov. 18, 2019-Aug. 12, 2020, District Judge Robert F. Wright, 35th Judicial District, Div. A Kentucky judge who sent one man to jail without a hearing and "strongly castigated" another has been reprimanded. The list of opinions and the opinions themselves contain the pertinent information so that users can take notice of their status and proceed accordingly. The commission suspended Kenton County District Court Judge Ann Ruttle without pay for seven days from April 15 to April 22. While the commission also found 5-0 on that count, the document reads: "The Commission acknowledges the Writ of Prohibition entered by the Kentucky Supreme Court on October 31, 2022, after the conclusion of the Final Hearing, and the deliberation and voting by the Commission. The JCCs attorney presents the case at the hearing and the judge has the right to defend against the charges and to be represented by an attorney. Morgan, a former First United Methodist Church daycare worker, was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of third-degree criminal abuse last year and was sentenced to one year in jail. ", The commission goes on to say: "Although theinitial complaint for the instant action came from a sole defendant disgruntled by the anklemonitor process and administration, the ultimate evidence presented at the Final Hearingestablished that those allegations were the tip of the iceberg of the improper and wrongfulconduct of Judge Jameson involving the community corrections board he created,established, implemented, oversaw, and administered. 2Agreed Order of Suspension, Oct. 1, 2015Proceedings - April 27, 2015-June 1, 2016, District Court Judge Sam Potter Jr., 8th Judicial District, Div. Kenton County District Judge Ann Ruttle among two disciplined by KY Judicial Conduct Commission. Jamesons legal representation argues the facts and opinions that led the commission to make these charges were submitted by individuals who seek to provide political benefit to Jamesons election opponent, Andrea Moore, in his bid for reelection this fall. Kentucky judge, hit with 45 ethics violations in July, is ordered removed from the bench Andrew Wolfson Louisville Courier Journal The Judicial Conduct Commission found Friday that Circuit. Box 682Somerset, KY 42502-0682606-677-4112, Graydon2400 Chamber Center Drive, Suite 300Fort Mitchell, KY 41017859-578-3070. She also testified that Jameson put her on the spot at a fundraising event, asking her to speak in support of his campaign. His fellow justices elected him as chief justice of Kentucky for a four-year term that started in January 2023. 1Agreed Order of Suspension, Sept. 2, 2016, Family Court Judge Lisa Osborne Bushelman, 16th Judicial Circuit, Family Div. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 4 min ago FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission on Thursday released its reports in cases involving disciplinary action against two sitting judges, a circuit judge in western Kentucky and a district judge in northern Kentucky. Circuit Judge Atkins Reprimanded By State Judicial Conduct Commission March 2, 2023 News Edge Newsroom News Edge Christian County Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins has received a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission regarding his conduct in a pair of criminal cases he oversaw. Christian County Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins has received a public reprimand from the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission regarding his conduct in a pair of criminal cases he oversaw. Combs & Combs203 Main St., P.O. The Supreme Court created the Circuit Court Clerk Conduct Commission after consulting with the full membership of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks and adopting an administrative procedure that became effective Jan. 1, 2013. Commission proceedings provide a fair and objective means to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. Justice for All planning grant from the National Center for State Courts. The Judicial Conduct Commission is the only entity authorized under the Kentucky Constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. Actions can include admonition, reprimand, suspension or removal from office. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Box 126Dixon, KY 42409-0126270-639-5506, Pulaski County Court of Justice50 Public Square, P.O. 1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. The JCC announced its decision Friday, about two weeks after it held a four-day hearing on the misconduct allegations against Jameson. The resolution filed Wednesday calls for an impeachment inquiry of Rick Boling, the commonwealth's attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Christian County. 03/3 . 1Agreed Order of Public Reprimand, July 7, 2016 Proceedings - April 1-July 5, 2016, District Court Judge Sheila A. Collins, 30th Judicial District, Div. As part of its strategic plan, the KAJC is currently working to: Capitol Building700 Capital Avenue,Suite 225Frankfort, KY 40601502-564-5493. . 2Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Final Order, Nov. 7, 2019Proceedings - May 21, 2018-Nov. 18, 2019, District Judge William W. Roberts, 21st Judicial District, Div. The commission is the sole state entity authorized by the state constitution to take disciplinary action against a sitting Kentucky judge. If the JCC finds improper conduct by the judge or a disability that seriously interferes with the judges ability to perform judicial duties, the JCC may take any of the following actions: JCC orders are effective 10 days after service on a judge unless the judge appeals to the Supreme Court of Kentucky within that time. The Judicial Conduct Commission has filed an extensive "notice of formal proceedings" against Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon, . Increase opportunities for the private bar to provide pro bono representation for low- and moderate-income Kentuckians. 2022 Kentucky Court of Justice. Rule 2.9 - Ex parte Communications (A)A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications, or consider other communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties or their lawyers, concerning a pending* or impending* matter, except as follows: The state Judicial Conduct Commission Friday ordered a western Kentucky judge facing multiple misconduct charges be removed from office and barred serving the next term in office.. 42nd Judicial . The Judicial Conduct Commission voted unanimously to permanently remove Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon, writing that she abused her position "over an extended period of time and over .