New York City judge indicted for gambling, stealing from court
A former judge in the small town of Moravian in Cayuga County, New York, has been charged with fourth-degree larceny after allegedly sticking his finger into a court vault.
Former Judge June Shepardson was suspended from municipal court in July amid a state Commission on Judicial Conduct investigation into the disappearance of $6,000 she allegedly took from the Town and Village of Moravia. She resigned from the position she held since 2001 on September 1, 2023.
In New York State, town and village courts are local courts that typically handle traffic tickets, criminal cases, small claims cases, and violations of local ordinances, such as: B. Zoning.
Gambling Addiction
Details about the case have been scant, although Shepardson's attorney, J. Justin Woods, said in October that his client had a gambling problem and was seeking help.
Unfortunately, toward the end of her service, Judge Shepherdson developed a gambling addiction from which she has since recovered," Woods said."She welcomes the opportunity to serve the community equitably on the bench. "
Woods added that his client was looking forward to "returning to a private life" and continuing his recovery while "helping to increase awareness and treatment resources for gambling addiction in remote rural areas".
There are many casinos around Moravia, located in the Finger Lakes region of the state, including Cayuga Nation's Lakeside Entertainment I and II and Del Lago Resort and Casino. Woods said his client is currently banning himself from all casinos in New York state.
"Undermining" public trust
In New York, fourth-degree grand larceny is a Class E felony with no mandatory minimum sentence. However, those convicted face up to four years in prison.
Municipal and village court judges are responsible for the protection, reporting and timely remittance of all official funds collected by the courts from fines, fees and other sources,” said Robert Tembeckjian of the state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct.
"Failure to do so undermines public confidence in the impartiality of justice," he added.
Wrong Judgment
Cases of judges falling prey to gambling addiction and crime are rare, but not unheard of. The most famous case is that of U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous, who was impeached and removed from office by Congress in 2010 after being found guilty of corruption.
Portis admitted he struggled with gambling and alcohol problems, which resulted in him accepting thousands of dollars from attorneys on cases he tried. He is the eighth federal judge in U.S. history to be removed from office by impeachment.
He died in 2021 at the age of 74.
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Source: www.casino.org
