Suspended Judge Blames Political 'War' for Ethics Case re Parade Float Donation, Other Alleged Costs
Testifying today for the first time as a legal ethics case against her enters its second week, a Michigan judge and her counsel blamed the trial on a claimed effort by an Inkster government official to get revenge after she opposed his campaign to revise the city charter to increase his power over her court’s operations.
Suspended with pay in April by the state supreme court, 22nd District Judge Sylvia James is now at trial before the state Judicial Tenure Commission on disciplinary charges concerning her alleged misappropriation of court funds, the Detroit News reports.
“War had been declared on me and my court,” she told the commission today as it continued its inquiry into the judge’s expenses.
James is accused of spending on flowers, catering, a parade float and uniforms for the Inkster High School junior varsity cheerleading squad, among other items. She is also accused of making charitable donations in return for advertising that promoted her as a judge.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Checks Show Suspended Judge Spent Court Money on Payments to Employees, Sister’s $100 Pound Cake”
