Posted on 02/21/2006 7:14:44 PM PST by NormsRevenge
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - An Orange County judge was publicly admonished Tuesday for allegedly having his clerk and bailiff help run two rental properties.
Judge John M. Watson sold the properties in La Habra and Whittier last year, according to the Commission on Judicial Performance. The misconduct took place between 2000 and 2004, according to the commission.
"A judge may not use his or her office, staff or public property and/or resources under the judge's control for personal, non-governmental purposes," the commission said in a statement.
A public admonishment is a step below public censure.
Watson declined comment, saying a lawsuit is pending regarding one of the properties, and as a judge he could not ethically comment.
According to the commission, Watson sought and received help from his courtroom clerk on the daily management of the property.
The clerk prepared about 40 letters and legal notices in connection with the real estate business, and on four occasions Watson's chambers letterhead was used, the commission said.
Watson also had his clerk and bailiff accept rental payments in the courtroom and had staff provide receipts to tenants, according to the commission.
Watson has been a Superior Court judge since October 1989. His current term began in January 2005.
John M. Watson
http://www.smartvoter.org/1998jun/ca/or/vote/watson_j/
"Watson declined comment, saying a lawsuit is pending regarding one of the properties, and as a judge he could not ethically comment"
How can he be worried about ethical conduct, he doesn't have any?
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