Judge Resigns, Avoiding Ethics Probe re Alleged Relationship with Prosecutor
A South Florida judge accused of failing to disclose a close relationship with a prosecutor who was trying a first-degree murder case in her courtroom has resigned her seat on the bench, thus avoiding the need to answer an ethics complaint brought against her by the state Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Broward Circuit Judge Ana Gardiner says she plans to practice at Cole, Scott & Kissane after she steps down, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Her resignation is effective at the end of the day May 28, Gardiner said in a letter yesterday to the state governor, reports the Associated Press.
Gardiner, who was the first Hispanic woman to serve as a judge in the Broward Circuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, the news agency says.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Judge Accused, Prosecutor Cleared re 3,388 Calls & Texts During & After Death-Penalty Case”
ABAJournal.com: “Complaint Against Judge Puts Ex-Prosecutor Back on Hot Seat re Claimed Ex Parte Contacts”
