Free Republic

State Supreme Court Justice Roberto A. Rivera-Soto on Friday denied misusing his position to assist his son in a dispute with another teen on their high school football team. Rivera-Soto "insisted at all times that (the) matter be treated in the ordinary course," according to a legal brief filed in response to an ethics complaint brought against him May 11. "His intent at all times was to avoid any appearance of impropriety," the brief said. "To the extent any person understood (Rivera-Soto's) actions in any different light, (he) regrets that understanding." Rivera-Soto, the first Hispanic on the state Supreme Court,...

NEWARK, N.J. -- A state panel on judicial conduct on Friday filed an ethics complaint against New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto, charging that he improperly allowed the "power and prestige" of his position to help his son in a dispute with another teen on their high school football team. If the six other justices on the state's highest court substantiate the complaint, they could remove Rivera-Soto from the bench or impose a lesser penalty, including a public reprimand, censure or suspension. Rivera-Soto, the first Hispanic on the state Supreme Court, denies any wrongdoing, said his lawyer, Bruce P....

State Supreme Court Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto said yesterday he was "profoundly sorry" and "deeply regretted" that his actions in interceding last year in a dispute between his son and another high school student potentially undermined public trust in the judiciary....... As part of yesterday's filing, Rivera-Soto said he would waive a hearing on the issue "based on my desire to prevent any further harm to the court's reputation." .....