Matter of James H. Ridgeway
The Commission determined that James H. Ridgeway, a Justice of the Richland Town Court, Oswego County, should be admonished. The Commission's decision dated December 18, 2024, is available at Ridgeway Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2025 Releases.
Matter of Erin P. Gall
The Commission determined that Erin P. Gall, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Fifth Judicial District, Oneida County, should be removed. The Commission's decision dated July 17, 2024, is available at Gall Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
In August 2024, Judge Gall requested review of the determinaion in the Court of Appeals, but in December 2024 she moved to withdraw the request. In response, the Commission highlighted the issues that had been raised, without recommendation, deferring to the Court’s discretion whether to remove Judge Gall with or without oral argument or an opinion.
The Court issued an order on January 9, 2025 removing Judge Gall immediately, “in accordance with [the law] and the findings of the Commission.”
Matter of Michael W. Cole
The Commission determined that Michael W. Cole, a Justice of the Alden Town and Village Courts, Erie County, should be admonished. The Commission's decision dated December 18, 2024, is available at Cole Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2025 Releases.
Matter of James A. Bradshaw, Jr.
The Commission has released a decision dated December 12, 2024, that James A. Bradshaw, Jr., a Justice of the Rotterdam Town Court, Schenectady County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Bradshaw Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Lewis J. Lubell
The Commission determined that Lewis J. Lubell, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Westchester County, should be admonished. The Commission's decision dated November 7, 2024, is available at Lubell Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Kathy Wachtman
The Commission has released a decision dated October 24, 2024, that Kathy Wachtman, a Justice of the Wolcott Village Court and the Huron Town Court, Wayne County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Wachtman Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Kevin E. Copeland
The Commission has released a decision dated October 24, 2024, that Kevin E. Copeland, a Justice of the New Hartford Town Court, Oneida County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Copeland Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Gary L. Carson
The Commission has released a decision dated October 24, 2024, that Gary L. Carson, a Justice of the Pittsfield Town Court, Otsego County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Carson Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Thomas Quinones
The Commission determined that Thomas Quinones, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Westchester County, should be admonished. The Commission's decision dated October 3, 2024, is available at Quinones Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Donald R. Spaccio
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Donald R. Spaccio, a Justice of the Montour Falls Village and Montour Town Courts, Schuyler County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Spaccio Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Jessica Byrne
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Jessica Byrne, a Justice of the New Lebanon Town Court, Columbia County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Byrne Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of John D. Kinsella
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that John D. Kinsella, a Justice of the Geddes Town Court, Onondaga County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Kinsella Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Matter of Reginald J. Johnson
The Commission has released a decision dated September 19, 2024, that Reginald J. Johnson, a Judge of the Peekskill City Court, Westchester County, has resigned from office and agreed never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The decision is available at Johnson Decision. An accompanying press release is available at 2024 Releases.
Pending Legislation
Legislation has been introduced to amend certain provisions of the Judiciary Law pertaining to the operations of the Commission on Judicial Conduct, consistent with recommendations the Commission itself has advocated since its inception in 1978. More information, including links to the language, status of the bills, and a memo of support from several respected and influential civic organizations is available at Pending Legislation.