Matter of Donald R. Spaccio
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Donald R. Spaccio, a Justice of the Montour Falls Village and Montour Town Courts, Schuyler County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Spaccio Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Jessica Byrne
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Jessica Byrne, a Justice of the New Lebanon Town Court, Columbia County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Byrne Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of John D. Kinsella
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that John D. Kinsella, a Justice of the Geddes Town Court, Onondaga County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Kinsella Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Reginald J. Johnson
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Reginald J. Johnson, a Judge of the Peekskill City Court, Westchester County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Johnson Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Thomas F. Rathbun, Jr.
The Commission determined that Thomas F. Rathbun, Jr., a Justice of the Salisbury Town Court, Herkimer County, should be removed. The Commission's decision dated August 5, 2024, is available at Rathbun Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
New Commission Member Appointed
Stefano (Steve) Cambareri, Esq., has been appointed to the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct by Assembly Minority Leader William A. Barclay. Biographical information on Mr. Cambareri and the rest of the Commission members is available at Commission Members. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Erin P. Gall
The Commission determined that Erin P. Gall, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Fifth Judicial District, Oneida County, should be removed. The Commission's decision dated July 17, 2024, is available at Gall Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Jill Kehn
The Commission determined that Jill Kehn, a Judge of the Family Court, Rensselaer County, should be censured. The Commission's decision dated June 21, 2024, is available at Kehn Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of John J. Nevers
The Commission has released a decision dated June 13, 2024, that John J. Nevers, a Justice of the New Lebanon Town Court, Columbia County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Nevers Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Joseph Nowakowski
The Commission has released a decision dated June 13, 2024, that Joseph Nowakowski, a Justice of the Bethany Town Court, Genesee County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Nowakowski Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Van H. White
The Commission determined that Van H. White, a Judge of the Rochester City Court, should be admonished. The Commission's decision dated May 13, 2024, is available at White Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Kathleen L. Robichaud
The Commission has released a decision dated May 2, 2024, that Kathleen L. Robichaud, a Judge of the Rensselaer City Court, Rensselaer County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Robichaud Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Mitchell Q. Soules, Jr.
The Commission has released a decision dated May 2, 2024, that Mitchell Q. Soules, Jr., a Justice of the Little Falls Town Court, Herkimer County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Soules Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Pending Legislation
Legislation has been introduced to amend certain provisions of the Judiciary Law pertaining to the operations of the Commission on Judicial Conduct, consistent with recommendations the Commission itself has advocated since its inception in 1978. More information, including links to the language, status of the bills, and a memo of support from several respected and influential civic organizations is available at Pending Legislation.