The Commission authorized formal disciplinary charges against Michael W. Cole, a Justice of the Alden Town and Village Courts, Erie County, on September 17, 2024. On October 22, 2024, Judge Cole, his attorney and the Commission’s Administrator entered into an Agreed Statement of Facts, recommending that the judge should be publicly admonished. The matter is now before the Commission. 

While all Commission proceedings are confidential by law until a public disciplinary determination is issued, on October 23, 2024, Judge Cole waived confidentiality. In accordance with his waiver, the following documents are now public:

Formal Written Complaint

Agreed Statement of Facts Between Commission Administrator and Judge Cole

Commission Clerk Letter Concerning Agreed Statement of Facts

Waiver of Confidentiality