Federal judge accused of hosting party with 'significant underage drinking,' leading to fight and plaintiff's injuries
A federal judge in California is facing a lawsuit alleging two that “heavily intoxicated underage minors” got into a fight in front of the judge’s home during a party there that involved “significant underage drinking.” (Image from Shutterstock)
A federal judge who oversaw one of the criminal cases against Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is facing a lawsuit alleging two that “heavily intoxicated underage minors” got into a fight in front of the judge’s home during a party there that involved "significant underage drinking," leading to significant injuries for the plaintiff.
Law360 has the story on the Dec. 12 suit, filed against U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi of the Central District of California, in superior court in Los Angeles County, California.
The plaintiff, Alex Wilson, said he was seriously injured during the fight when a minor struck him from behind, causing Wilson to hit his head and body on a curb. As a result of the “brutal and severe beating,” Wilson sustained closed head trauma and facial disfigurement, leading to a two-week hospital stay, the suit said.
“Had defendant Scarsi adequately staffed the premises with security personnel or properly supervised the guests and not allowed alcohol to be served or consumed by underage minors on their property, they would have been able to control [the defendant minor] before he severely injured the plaintiff,” the suit said.
Students at the party were from “various schools,” including Loyola High School and St. Francis High School, the suit said.
The causes of action against Scarsi and his wife, who allegedly co-hosted the party, are negligence and premises liability. Other defendants are the minor who allegedly assaulted Wilson and the minor’s parents.
Scarsi is an appointee of President-elect Donald Trump during his first term in office. Scarsi oversaw a criminal tax case against the younger Biden, before the elder Biden issued a pardon.
Scarsi’s courtroom deputy supervisor did not immediately return the ABA Journal’s message seeking comment from the judge. Law360 requested a comment from Scarsi’s courtroom deputy clerk and did not hear back, according to its story.
