‘Mr. Bobo’ Judge Is Admonished a Second Time for Crude Gestures
More than 10 years ago, Judge John Gibson of California’s San Bernardino County was publicly admonished (PDF) based on allegations of inappropriate conduct, including an incident in which he wiggled his fingers through his robe in the groin area and told a court employee, “Say hello to Mr. Bobo.”
Now Gibson has been publicly admonished a second time, and the allegations once again concern crude gestures and inappropriate remarks, the Los Angeles Times reports.
In a Dec. 14 decision (PDF), the California Commission on Judicial Performance said Gibson had displayed sarcasm and annoyance with lawyers over a delayed trial, claiming that one lawyer in the courtroom had done nothing more than scratch his private parts and pick his nose. Gibson allegedly illustrated with gestures. On one occasion he gestured toward his groin while recalling a story about a urinal, and on another he called a tall, thin female lawyer a Q-tip, according to the opinion.
Gibson’s lawyer, Paul Meyer, told the Times that the judge had cooperated with the commission. “He regrets his insensitive statements and apologizes for his conduct in this matter,” Meyer said. “Judge Gibson also appreciates the many expressions of support for the excellence of his judicial work.”
