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(#X!XhxXXXhxXhxXXXhx  u    $XXhx u݌̌! X(#!$$XhxX$  ! (#X!XhxXXXhxXhxXXXhx    $XXhxXhxX$ (e2%$ L-!  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx   >%)  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  _! (#X!XhxXXXhx  u  (e2%$ L-!  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx   @  <%'  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  ! (#X!XhxXXXhxXhxXXXhx  e    $XXhx e݌̌! X(#!$$XhxX$  ! (#X!XhxXXXhxXhxXXXhx    $XXhxXhxX$  B  >%)  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  ! (#X!XhxXXXhx  e    -$XXhx    2  ->XhxX$  SWNumberingHere$57=CKSUWY14I.1.(a)(a)(e2%$ L-!  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  'dxdEFo&"D&raw Object Text <C HKKKKdd  J?"  NXCXXNXXCXXNXC  t XXCLIBA/1154367.2  XCX t   (e2%$ L-!  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  #|x(J-$  NXCXXNXXCXXNXCHP LaserJet 8000 N PCL 60(9 Z6Times New Roman RegularNX##37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a),ИA' U L-!  NXhxXXNXXhxXXNXhx  _  XX;=  BEFORETHECOMMISSIONONJUDICIALCONDUCT?A    ComplaintNos.2000110,etseq.  FORMALCHARGES   XTheCommissiononJudicialConduct( theCommission),actingpursuanttoMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,5(14)andCommissionRule7B(4),herebynotifiestheHonorableJudgeMariaI.Lopez( JudgeLopez),AssociateJusticeoftheSuperiorCourtDepartment,thatithasfoundsufficientcausetoissueformalchargesintheabovenumberedmatter. $  ThesechargesgrewoutoftheinvestigationofComplaintsNos.2000110,2000111,2000113through2000122,2000124through2000141,2000143through2000148,2000150through2000159,2000164through2000171,2000177,2000179,2000180,2000183,2000184,2000193,2000196,2000338,and20015.Asaresultofthatinvestigation,aStatementofAllegationswasissuedonJanuary16,2001,andJudgeLopez,throughherattorney,filedaresponseonFebruary7,2001.FollowingtheappointmentofSpecialCounselandfurtherinvestigation,onJanuary10,2002,theCommissionissuedanAmendedStatementofAllegationspursuanttoMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,5(5),whichincorporatedallegationsfromtheabovelistedcomplaints,aswellasotherallegations. ,\ JudgeLopezwasgrantedanextensionofthestatutoryperiodofresponseuntilApril11,2002.However,JudgeLopezhassubmittednowrittenresponse.JudgeLopezmadeapersonalappearancebeforetheCommission,pursuanttoMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,5(9),onApril18,2002.  TheCommissionalsoherebynotifiesJudgeLopezthat,pursuanttoMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,5(14)andCommissionRule7B(4),shehasten(10)daysafterserviceoftheseformalchargesinwhichtofileawrittenresponsewiththeCommission.Theresponseshouldsetforthinconciselanguagealldenials,affirmativedefenses,andanyothermattersuponwhichJudgeLopezintendstorelyatthehearingonthesecharges.ImmediatelyafterthefilingofJudgeLopezsresponse,acopyoftheformalchargesandofherresponse,ifany,shallbefiledwiththeSupremeJudicialCourt.Uponthisfiling,theconfidentialityoftheformalchargesandtheresponsetheretoshallcease. %D # PursuanttoMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,5(5),theCommissiononJudicialConduct( theCommission)makestheseFormalChargesagainstJudgeLopez. X XTheCommissionchargesthat,inmattersrelatingtoherconsiderationanddispositionofCommonwealthv.CharlesHorton(SuffolkSuperiorCourtCriminalIndictmentNos.2000 )$( 10029001through200010029005),JudgeLopezengagedinapatternofconductprejudicialtotheadministrationofjusticeandunbecomingajudicialofficerthatbringsthejudicialofficeintodisreputeunderMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,2(5)(d).ThisconductconstitutesviolationsoftheCodeofJudicialConduct(SupremeJudicialCourtRule3:09)underch.211C,2(5)(e).Specifically,theCommissionchargesthatJudgeLopezsconductincludedatleastthefollowing L.|)-  ?A ?@; A?B= A  violations: XXCXXXC  A   <(` ` hp x (#X< % C I. ` JudgeLopezengagedinimproperexpartecontacts;A{݌  ЌXCXXXC  XCXXXC    <(` ` hp x (#` ` X<II. ` JudgeLopezexhibitedbiasinthedischargeofherduties;݌ \ ЌXCXXXC  XCXXXC    <(` ` hp x (#` ` X<III. ` JudgeLopezusedthecourtsystemindisregardofherdutytoupholdthe  @ impartialityandintegrityofthejudiciary;#݌̌XCXXXC  XCXXXC  [  <(` ` hp x (#` ` X<IV. ` JudgeLopez,directlyandindirectly,madeandencouragedmisleadingpublic    commentonapendingmatter;[݌̌XCXXXC  XCXXXC    <(` ` hp x (#` ` X<V. ` JudgeLopezfailedtobepatient,courteousanddignified,andfailedtoaccord P  everypersonorlitigantafullrighttobeheardaccordingtolaw;and݌̌XCXXXC  XCXXXC  R  <(` ` hp x (#` ` X<VI. ` JudgeLopezexhibitedapatternofabuseofheroffice,biasandindiscretion.R݌   ЌXCXXXC   %CXCXXXC       CASEHISTORY ݌  ЌXCXXXC    X Commonwealthv.HortonoriginatedinNovember1999,whenCharlesHortonwas Dt arrestedandsubsequentlyindictedonchargesof_kidnapping_;assaultwithintenttorapeachildunder16;indecentassaultandbatteryonachildunder14;assaultandbattery;andassaultandbatterybymeansofadangerousweapon.Thevictimofthesecrimeswasan11yearoldchildwhomHortonenticedtoenterhiscaronapretext.Hortonwasdressedasawomanandclaimedtoneedassistanceinfinding herson.  ThecasefirstcamebeforeJudgeLopezonAugust1,2000,whentheCourtheldaplea  conferencewiththeAssistantDistrictAttorneyanddefensecounsel.ApleahearingwasscheduledforAugust4,2000.Onthatdate,JudgeLopezcontinuedthechangeofpleaandsentencingtoSeptember6,2000,andissuedwrittenfindingsinthecase. h  OnSeptember6,2000,JudgeLopezfoundthatMr.Hortonhadpledguiltyknowinglyand T!  voluntarily,andfoundthattherewasasufficientfactualbasisforhisguiltyplea.Mr.Horton,statingthatheagreedwithallofthematerialfactsaspresentedbytheprosecution,wassentencedtofiveyearsprobation,subjecttocertainspecifiedconditions. %4 $ Followingthesentencing,theCommissionreceivedcomplaintsrelatingtoJudgeLopezandherhandlingoftheHortoncase.PursuanttoitsmandateunderMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,the & "& Commissioninitiatedaninvestigation. (#(  XXCXXXC  ]    CHARGES]݌ )$) ЌXCXXXC  XCXXXCXCXXXC        P  ,L'T+&   C D $3QC XB.` hp x (#` ` XB 2  I  .3    JudgeLopezEngagedInImproperExParteContactsP Ԍ ,L'+ Ќ    XCXXXCXCXXXC  XCXXXC   "  X  FollowingherhavingretainedjurisdictionintheHortoncase,andduringtheperiodof -)- appealand/orformotionsunderRule30oftheMassachusettsRulesofCriminalProcedure, .). JudgeLopezengagedinatleastthefollowingexpartecontacts: "D"݌  ЌXCXXXC  XCXXXC    $  d md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` JudgeLopezinitiatedatelephoneconversationwithdefensecounselAnne  _Goldbach_ԀoftheCommitteeforPublicCounselServices( _CPCS_)shortlyfollowingtheSeptember6,2000sentencing,duringwhichJudgeLopezdiscussedHortonandthepublicitywhichfollowedhissentencing.$X$ @$Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    6'  d`  , md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` OnoraboutSeptember7,2000,JudgeLopezplacedatelephonecalltoWilliam `  Leahy,ChiefCounselat_CPCS_ԀandexpressedherangeratthepresscoverageoftheHortonsentencing.TheJudgeencouragedLeahyand_CPCS_Ԁtocometoher 8 h defensepublicly.6'}' e'Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    _*  d t  md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  3  .3   ` FollowingherfirsttelephonecalltoMs._Goldbach_,JudgeLopezplacedoneor   moreadditionaltelephonecallstoher,againdiscussingtheHortonsentencingand   thepresscoverage._** *Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    $-  dd0 md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  4  .3   ` DuringoneofthecallstoMs._Goldbach_,theJudgeobtainedinformation d  regardingBostonPolicedetectiveJayGreene,whomtheJudgebelievedtobeamaterialwitnessintheHortoncase.TheJudgecontactedthedetectiveand <l elicitedinformationfromGreenewhichshelatercharacterizedassupportinghersentencingdecision.$-k- S-Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    z0  dd md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  5  .3   ` FollowingSeptember6,2000,JudgeLopezhadoneormoreconversationswith  Greene,whomtheJudgebelievedtobeamaterialwitnessintheHortoncase.  JudgeLopezsubsequentlycausedtheSupremeJudicialCourtsOfficeofPublicInformationtocontactthedetectiveforinformationtojustifyhersentencingdecision.z00 0Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md B.` hp x (#` XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto  avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartially);3(A)(4)(failuretoavoidexpartecontacts).    XXCXXXCXCXXXC         5  @"px!  XB.` hp x (#XB 2  II  .3    JudgeLopezExhibitedBiasInTheDischargeOfHerDuties556 6Ԍ @"p Ќ     XCXXXCXCXXXC   XCXXXC    28  XdX$#$ md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` Throughouttheproceedings,JudgeLopezexhibitedabiasagainstcounselforthe X$ CommonwealthbasedatleastinpartonherpriorexperienceswithAssistantDistrictAttorney_Leora_ԀJosephinthe_Calixte_and_Estrada_cases.28y8 a8Ԍ 0&`! ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    f;  d'#'" md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` OnAugust4,2000,duringalobbyconferenceinHorton,JudgeLopez '#  reprimandedAssistantDistrictAttorney_Leora_ԀJosephbystatinginsubstance, Youreverymean....Youreveryyoung....Thisisallyourfault....Youbelonginthesuburbs.f;; ;Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    l>  d\,'+(' md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  3  .3   ` JudgeLopezintendedhercommentstoADAJosephonAugust4asapersonal \,'$ insultandasacharacterizationof thewomanwho,youknow,stayshome,goestothebeautyparloranddoeshernails.l>> >Ԍ 4.d)& ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    A  d4d md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  4  .3   ` DuringtheAugust4,2000hearingoncontinuanceofthepleahearing,Judge 4d LopezfalselystatedthatshewouldnotheartheHortoncasebecauseofher  P crowdedcalendarthatday,whenintruththeCourtcontinuedthehearingspecificallytoavoidmediacoverage.AfA NAԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    D  d H x md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  5  .3   ` OnAugust4,2000,AssistantDistrictAttorneyDavidDeakinobjectedtothe   continuanceonbehalfoftheCommonwealthandnotedtoJudgeLopezherstatutoryobligationtoenterwrittenfindings.JudgeLopezrespondedinwhattheAssistantDistrictAttorneyperceivedtobeahostiletone: Youwillgetwrittenfindings.D]D EDԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    5G  d@   md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  6  .3   ` OnAugust4,2000,JudgeLopezissuedfindingstosupportthecontinuancein @  whichtheCourtfalselystatedthat:5G|G dGԌ̌XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC    {I  d L|  md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  a  )3   theAssistantDistrictAttorneyhadahabitofcallinginthepress;{II IԌ   Ќ! ` X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC    K  dd0 md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  b  )3   theAssistantDistrictAttorneyattemptedtoembarrassandridiculea d  defendant sufferingfromapsychologicaldisorder,andKtL \LԌ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC    N  d4 md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  c  )3   theCommonwealthcausedthecontinuancebyseekingtoturnthecourt 4 proceedingsintoa circus.N*O OԌ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    @Q  d@p md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  7  .3   ` OnorbeforeSeptember6,2000andinanticipationofwhatsheviewedas  unwelcomepressinterestintheHortoncase,JudgeLopezmadespecial  arrangementsforthedefendant(butnotforthevictimsfamily)toenterthecourthouseandutilizeabackelevatorandaroom,neitherofwhichwasavailabletothepublicordefensecounselintheordinarycourseofbusiness.TheJudgemadethesearrangementstodefeatwhatsheviewedasinappropriatepressattention.AtnotimewascounselfortheCommonwealthadvisedofthesearrangements.@QQ oQԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    RU  d h  md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  8  .3   ` OnSeptember6,2000andforthepurposeofinsulatingHortonfromexposureto   camerastheCourtpermittedinthecourtroom,JudgeLopezorderedcourtpersonneltoshieldthedefendantfromcamerasandplacedHortoninadesignatedlocationwithhisbacktothepress.RUU UԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    3X  dD%t $  md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  9  .3   ` OnSeptember6,2000,JudgeLopezconductedthechangeofpleaandsentencing D%t  hearinginHorton.Onseparateoccasionsduringthathearing,JudgeLopezfailed 0&`! toaccordtheAssistantDistrictAttorneysafullrighttobeheardonbehalfoftheCommonwealth:3XzX bXԌ̌XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC    $[  d)$X)$ md ?(  hp x (# X? 2 (  a  )3   DuringADADeakinsrecitationofthefacts,JudgeLopezinterruptedand )$  suggestedthathisdescriptionwassufficient.TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyhadtorequestpermissiontocompletetheCommonwealthsstatementofthefactsinsupportoftheplea.$[[ [Ԍ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC    \^  d4.d)-) md ?(  hp x (# X? 2 (  b  )3   JudgeLopezaskedADADeakintoratethecaseonascaleofonetoten 4.d)$ relativetoothercases.TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyresponded,explainingthatheratedthecasea tenintermsofabsenceofanypreexistingrelationshipbetweenHortonandthevictim;heconsideredit inthequiteseriousrangegiventheageofthechild;andas moderatelyseriousintermsofthecompletedassault,thoughhenotedthatitcouldhavebeenmoreserioushadthepolicenotintervened.Thefollowingexchangethentookplace:\^^ ^Ԍ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  b  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:Well,letmejustsaythatIvebeenaJudge   nowsince1988,andIhaveseenmanyofthesecases.Andinthescaleofcasesthatchargesexualassaultofchildren,thisisonaverylowlevel.Okay?And,so,Ireallythinkitsdisingenuousforyoutotellmethatthisisaten.Illhearfromthedefenseattorney.b$c݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  ne  3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorney_deakin_:YourHonor,ifI   may!nee݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  Pg  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:No,youmaynot.Youmaysitdownnow.Pgg݌  Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  i  3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorney_deakin_:I!ii݌  P Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  j  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:YoumaysitdownnoworIllgetaCourt p Officertomakeyousitdown.AndIllhearfromthedefenseattorney.j\k݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  l  3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorneyDEAKIN:Iobjecttobeing  chargedwithbeingdisingenuous.l\m݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  n  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:Ifinditwasdisingenuous,andIknow  betterthanthat.n7o݌  Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC  XCXXXC  p  md9% hp x (#` X9Duringthecourseofthisexchange,JudgeLopezraisedhervoiceand @ shookherfingeratAssistantDistrictAttorneyDeakin,whoremainedcalmandprofessionalinhismanner.pp݌̌XCXXXC  <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC    Hr  d"0! md ?(  hp x (# X? 2 (  c  )3   WhenADAJoseph(attherequestofthevictimsmotherand "0 grandmother)attemptedtoreadtherelevantvictimimpactstatementsintotherecord,JudgeLopezrefusedtoallowhertoparticipateinthehearinganddirectedADADeakintoreadtheimpactstatements.Atallrelevanttimes,Ms.JosephwastheAssistantDistrictAttorneyinchargeoftheHortoncase.Hrr rԌ &!! Ќ!   X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC    v  dP(#'# md ?(  hp x (# X? 2 (  d  )3   WhenADADeakinsoughttobeheardforthepurposeofproperly P(#" remindingJudgeLopeztospecifytheconditionsofprobation,JudgeLopezinterruptedtheAssistantDistrictAttorneyandstatedinahostilemanner, Idontwanttohearfromyouanymore.Doyouunderstand?and No.Youwillnotbeheard.Isaid,Iveheardenough.vv kvԌ̌!   X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC    y  d-(P-( md ?(  hp x (# X? 2 (  e  )3   WhileADADeakinwasstatingtheCommonwealthsrecommendations -(' forsentence,JudgeLopezaskedsarcastically: Andwouldthe .)( Commonwealthrequestthatthisdefendantbesenttoamaleprisonorfemaleprison?yz yԌ̌!   X  X!XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    |  dp < md B.` ` hp x (#  XB 2   10  .3   ` AfterthesentencingonSeptember6,2000,whilethematterwaspendingbefore p her,JudgeLopezplacedexpartetelephonecallstodefensecounsel \ Anne_Goldbach_Ԁtoexpressherconcernforcounselsandthedefendantswellbeing.SheencourageddefensecounseltodefendhersentenceofHortonpublicly.|| |Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d p  md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2   11  .3   ` InafurtherefforttodefendhersentencetoMr.Horton,JudgeLopezcontacted   BostonPolicedetectiveJayGreene,whomtheJudgeunderstoodtohavebeen firstonscene,andtherefore,amaterialwitness.ShealsoencouragedthePublicInformationOfficeroftheSupremeJudicialCourttocontactthedetectivetoobtaininformationwhichwouldjustifyhersentenceinHorton.D ,Ԍ   ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    o  d8h   md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2   12  .3   ` DuringtheAugust1,2000conference,inCommonwealthv.Horton,JudgeLopez 8h  categorized_transgendered_Ԁpersons,likethedefendant,statingthatsheknows thesepeople,andjustifiedasentenceofprobationbystating: Theyarenotviolent.o Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md B.` hp x (#` XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto L| avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);2(B)(failuretopreventsocialorotherrelationshipsfrominfluencingherconductorjudgment);3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartially);3(A)(1)(failuretobefaithfultothelawandfailuretobeunswayedbypartisaninterests,publicclamor,orfearofcriticism);and3(B)(5)(failuretoperformjudicialduties,bywordsandconduct,withoutexhibitingbiasortheperceptionofbias,andfailuretosupervisecourtpersonnelinamannertoavoidtheperceptionofbias). XXCXXXCXCXXXC         ߉  `  XB.` hp x (#XB 2   III  .3    JudgeLopezUsedTheCourtSystemInDisregardOfHerObligationToUphold ` TheImpartialityAndIntegrityOfTheJudiciary߉c KԌ̌     XCXXXCXCXXXC   XCXXXC      Xdd""0 md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` OnAugust4,2000,havingcontinuedtheHortoncaseforchangeofpleaand d" sentencingtoavoidpressattention,JudgeLopezassertedfalselythatthecontinuancewasaresultofhercrowdedcalendar.AttheinsistenceoftheCommonwealth,JudgeLopezentered findings,whichfindingswerefalseandconstitutedapretexttoconcealtheCourtsactions.These findingswereenteredaspartoftheofficialcourtrecord. ьԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    4  d(#P(# md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` Inher findingsinsupportofthecontinuance,JudgeLopezstated:(a)thatADA (#" Josephhada habitofcallinginthepress;(b)thatsheattemptedtoembarrassandridiculeadefendant;and(c)thattheCommonwealthhadcausedthecontinuancebyturningtheproceedingintoa circus.Therewasnobasisinfactforthese_pretextual_Ԁfindings,concerningwhichtheCourttooknoevidence.4{ cԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    ē  d.H)-( md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  3  .3   ` FollowingtheSeptember6,2000courtproceedings,andinresponseto .H)' unfavorablereactionstoherdecisioninthepress,JudgeLopezcontactedtheOfficeofPublicInformationoftheSupremeJudicialCourt.JudgeLopezmadematerialmisrepresentationstothePublicInformationOfficer,knowingthatshewouldrelyonsuchfalseinformationincommunicatingwiththepressandthepublic.Specifically,JudgeLopezfalselycommunicatedtothePublicInformationOfficerthat:(a)the11yearoldvictimwasnot_kidnapped_;(b)thedefendantdidnotuseascrewdriverasaweaponinthecommissionoftheoffense;and(c)thatherreferencetotheoffenseas lowlevelwasareferencetosentencingguidelines.ē  Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d   md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  4  .3   ` JudgeLopezcausedthePublicInformationOfficeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt    toissueapressstatementonherbehalftitled IntheMatterofCharlesHortoninResponsetoMediaReportsbyJudgeMariaLopezknowingthatthisreleasecontainedmateriallyfalsestatementsincluding:(a)thatJudgeLopezssentencingreferenceto lowlevelreferredtoproposedsentencingguidelines;and(b)thattherewere certainfactsknowntotheJudgewhich,ifknownbythepublic,wouldsupporthersentencingdecision.И Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md   B.` hp x (#` XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto  avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);3(A)(1)(failuretobefaithfultothelawandfailuretobeunswayedbypartisaninterests,publicclamor,orfearofcriticism);and3(A)(6)(failuretoabstainfrompubliccommentaboutapendingproceeding). Dt  XXCXXXCXCXXXC             (0`  XB.` hp x (#XB 2  IV  .3    JudgeLopezMadeAndEncouragedMisleadingPublicCommentOnAPending ( Matter{ cԌ̌     XCXXXCXCXXXC   XCXXXC      Xd, md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` FollowingtheSeptember6sentencing,JudgeLopezengagedinexpartecontacts , withdefensecounselAnne_Goldbach_ԀandtheChiefCounselWilliamLeahyat_CPCS_ԀandencouragedthemtodefendtheHortonsentenceinthepress.Both   defensecounselandChiefCounselfor_CPCS_ԀspokewiththepressaftertheirexparteconversationswiththeJudge.ߡ ǡԌ " ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    ]  d`$#, md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` FollowingtheSeptember6hearing,JudgeLopeztalkedwithBostonPolice `$ detectiveJayGreeneabouttheHortonsentencing.JudgeLopezalsoprovidedthe L%|  PublicInformationOfficeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtwiththedetectivesphonenumberandencouragedthatofficetocontactthedetectiveandusehisinformationtodefendtheJudgessentencingdecision.] Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d)$`)$ md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  3  .3   ` OnoraboutSeptember7,JudgeLopezmadematerialmisrepresentationstothe )$$ PublicInformationOfficeroftheSupremeJudicialCourt,knowingthatshewouldissueareleasecontainingfalseinformationtothepress.Specifically,JudgeLopezfalselytoldthePublicInformationOfficerthat:(a)the11yearoldvictimwasnot_kidnapped_;(b)thedefendantdidnotuseascrewdriverasaweaponinthecommissionoftheoffense;and(c)thatherreferencetotheoffenseas lowlevel `.)) wasareferencetosentencingguidelines.JudgeLopezapprovedthePublicInformationOfficesissuanceofthestatementwhichsheknewtobefalseinordertofacilitateadefenseofhersentencingdecisionandwithoutregardfortheintegrityoftheCourtscommunicationstothepublic. Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    ۭ  dH x md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  4  .3   ` InresponsetoatelephonecallfromaBostonHeraldreporter,JudgeLopezstated H x thatshewasprohibitedfromdiscussingthecase,andthat [_T]here_Ԁismoretothecasethanmeetstheeye.Shethenstated, Callaroundandyoullgettherealstory.ImsorrybutIcantgiveittoyou,though.Thisagainimpliedtheexistenceof factswhich,ifknownpublicly,purportedtojustifytheHorton  ( sentence._Jos_Ԁ_Martnez_,GrandmaDeniesKidKnewMolester,BostonHerald,    September10,2000.ۭ"  Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    ]  d P  md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  5  .3   ` FollowingSeptember6,2000,JudgeLopezdiscussedtheHortoncasewith   numerousindividualsinordertodefendherpublicimageandhersentencingdecision.] Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md   B.` hp x (#` XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto  avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartiallyanddiligently);and3(A)(6)(failuretoabstainfrompubliccommentaboutapendingcase). XXCXXXCXCXXXC           @Hx  XB.` hp x (#XB 2  V  .3    JudgeLopezFailedToBePatient,CourteousAndDignified,AndFailedToAccord @ EveryPersonOrLitigantAFullRightToBeHeardAccordingtoLaw~ fԌ̌     XCXXXCXCXXXC   XCXXXC    ӹ  XdD md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` OnAugust4,2000,duringalobbyconferencepriortothescheduledchangeof D plea,JudgeLopezstatedtoAssistantDistrictAttorney_Leora_ԀJoseph,insubstance: Youreverymean....Youreveryyoung....Thisisallyourfault....Youbelonginthesuburbs.ӹ Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC        d ( X md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` AtthehearingonAugust4,2000,AssistantDistrictAttorneyDavidDeakin   objectedtothecontinuanceoftheHortonpleaandsentencingonbehalfofthe x! Commonwealth.TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyremindedJudgeLopezofherstatutoryobligationtoissuewrittenfindingsregardingthecontinuance.JudgeLopezrespondedtotheAssistantDistrictAttorneyinacondescendingandhostiletone, Youwillgetwrittenfindings.+ Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d& "x&! md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  3  .3   ` Inherfindingsinsupportofthecontinuance,JudgeLopezstated:(a)thatthe & "  AssistantDistrictAttorneyhada habitofcallinginthepress;(b)thatsheattemptedtoembarrassandridiculeadefendant;and(c)thattheCommonwealthhadcausedthecontinuancebyturningtheproceedingintoa circus.Therewasnobasisinfactforthesefindings. Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d@,p'+ ' md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  4  .3   ` OnSeptember6,2000,JudgeLopezconductedthechangeofpleaandsentencing @,p'% inHorton.Onseparateoccasionsduringthathearing,JudgeLopezfailedto ,-\(& accordtheAssistantDistrictAttorneysafullrighttobeheardandwasabusivein .H)' hermannertowardthem:"  Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC      d P md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  a  )3   DuringADADeakinsrecitationofthefacts,JudgeLopezinterruptedand  suggestedthathisdescriptionwassufficient.TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyhadtorequestpermissiontocompletetheCommonwealthsstatementofthefactsinsupportoftheplea.i QԌ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#` X<XCXXXC      d ,  md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  b  )3   JudgeLopezaskedADADeakintoratethecaseonascaleofonetoten  , relativetoothercases.TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyresponded,explainingthatheratedthecasea tenintermsofabsenceofanypreexistingrelationshipbetweenHortonandthevictim;heconsideredit inthequiteseriousrangegiventheageofthechild;andas moderatelyseriousintermsofthecompletedassault,thoughhenotedthatitcouldhavebeenmoreserioushadthepolicenotintervened.Thefollowingexchangethentookplace: Ԍ̌! ` X  X!XCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  Z  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:Well,letmejustsaythatIvebeenaJudge   nowsince1988,andIhaveseenmanyofthesecases.Andinthescaleofcasesthatchargesexualassaultofchildren,thisisonaverylowlevel.Okay?And,so,Ireallythinkitsdisingenuousforyoutotellmethatthisisaten.Illhearfromthedefenseattorney.Z݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  0  3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorney_deakin_:YourHonor,ifI  may!0݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC    3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:No,youmaynot.Youmaysitdownnow.݌  Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC    3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorney_deakin_:I!O݌ 8h Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC    3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:YoumaysitdownnoworIllgetaCourt  Officertomakeyousitdown.AndIllhearfromthedefenseattorney.݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC    3 hp x` ` X3AssistantDistrictAttorneyDEAKIN:Iobjecttobeing   chargedwithbeingdisingenuous.݌̌   ` X  XXCXXXC    6"` ` hp x` X6XCXXXC  m  3 hp x` ` X3THECOURT:Ifinditwasdisingenuous,andIknow " betterthanthat.m݌ # Ќ   ` X  XXCXXXC  XCXXXC  F  md9% hp x (#` X9Duringthecourseofthisexchange,JudgeLopezraisedhervoiceand (%X  shookherfingeratADADeakin,whoremainedcalmandprofessionalinhismanner.F݌̌XCXXXC  <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC      d)H$(# md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  c  )3   WhenADAJoseph(attherequestofthevictimsmotherand )H$" grandmother)attemptedtoreadtherelevantvictimimpactstatementsintotherecord,JudgeLopezrefusedtoallowhertoparticipateinthehearinganddirectedADADeakintoreadtheimpactstatements.Atallrelevanttimes,Ms.JosephwastheAssistantDistrictAttorneyinchargeoftheHortoncase.u ]Ԍ -(' Ќ!   X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC      d4d md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  d  )3   WhenADADeakinsoughttobeheardforthepurposeofproperly 4d remindingJudgeLopeztospecifytheconditionsofprobation,JudgeLopezinterruptedtheAssistantDistrictAttorneyandstatedinahostilemanner, Idontwanttohearfromyouanymore.Doyouunderstand?and No.Youwillnotbeheard.Isaid,Iveheardenough.- Ԍ̌!   X  X!XCXXXC  md <(  hp x (#  X<XCXXXC    =  d 4 d md ?(  hp x (# X? 2(  e  )3   WhileADADeakinwasstatingtheCommonwealthsrecommendations   forsentence,JudgeLopezaskedsarcastically: AndwouldtheCommonwealthrequestthatthisdefendantbesenttoamaleprisonorfemaleprison?= Ԍ̌!   X  X!XCXXXC  md B.` hp x (#  XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto   avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartiallyanddiligently);3(A)(3)(failuretobepatient,dignified,andcourteoustolitigantsandothers);3(A)(4)(failuretoaccordeverypersonorlitigantinterestedinaproceedingafullrighttobeheard);and3(B)(5)(failuretoavoidtheappearanceofbiasthroughherwordsandconduct).  P   <  XXCXXXCXCXXXC         P  (  XB.` hp x (#XB 2  VI  .3    InLightOfTheForegoingAllegations,AndInLightOfConductHereinSpecified,  JudgeLopezHasExhibitedAPatternOfAbuseOfHerOffice,Bias,AndIndiscretionP Ԍ̌     XCXXXCXCXXXC   XCXXXC    <  XdL| md B.` ` hp x (#XB 2  1  .3   ` WhiletheinvestigationofJudgeLopezundertakenbytheCommissionon  JudicialConductwasstillpending,JudgeLopezreceivedacopyofacomplainttotheCommissiononJudicialConduct(astowhichtheJudgehadarightofnotice)andplacedananonymoustelephonecalltothecomplainantonNovember1,2000,justafter11:00pm.Thecomplainant,anelderlywoman,viewedthecallasanattemptedthreatandactofintimidationbytheJudge.< kԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d"0! md B.` ` hp x (#` XB 2  2  .3   ` NotwithstandingadvicetothecontraryfromtheChiefJusticeoftheSuperior "0 Court,andherhavingretainedjurisdictionintheHortoncase,JudgeLopezhas " hadnumerousconversationswiththirdpartiesconcerningtheHortoncasefrom # September6,2000tothepresent. Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md   B.` hp x (#` XB XAllinviolationofCanons1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);2(failureto &D!  avoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublicconfidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary);and3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartially).   )$$  X   SUMMARYOFVIOLATIONS *%%    X Theconductchargedabove,iftrue,constitutesconductthatisunbecomingajudicial d,'' officerandviolatesMass.Gen.L.ch.211C,2(5)(d)and(e),andthefollowingCanonsoftheCodeofJudicialConduct: <.l))  XXCXXXC    `  d P md B. ` hp x (#XB 2(  a  )3   Canon1(failuretoupholdtheintegrityofthejudiciary);` Ԍ  P ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    d  dp md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  b  )3   Canon2(failuretoavoidimproprietyandtheappearanceofimpropriety);d Ԍ  ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d $ T md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  c  )3   Canon2(A)(failuretorespectandcomplywiththelaw); Ԍ   ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d< l  md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  d  )3   Canon2(A)(failuretoconductherselfinamannerthatpromotespublic < l confidenceintheintegrityandimpartialityofthejudiciary); Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d x  md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  e  )3   Canon2(B)(failuretopreventsocialorotherrelationshipsfrom   influencingherconductorjudgment);6 Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    -  d| H  md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  f  )3   Canon3(failuretoperformjudicialdutiesimpartially);-t \Ԍ |  ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    =  d0`   md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  g  )3   Canon3(A)(1)(failuretobefaithfultothelawandmaintainprofessional 0`  competenceinit,andfailuretobeunswayedbypartisaninterests,publicclamor,orfearofcriticism);= lԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      dX md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  h  )3   Canon3(A)(3)(failuretobepatient,dignified,andcourteoustolitigants   andothers); Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC       d\( md B. ` hp x (# XB 2(  i  )3   Canon3(A)(4)(failuretoaccordeverypersonorlitigantinterestedina \ proceedingafullrighttobeheard); =  % Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC    <   d, md B. ` hp x (# XB 2 (  j  )3   Canon3(A)(4)(failuretoavoidexpartecontacts);<   k Ԍ , ЌXCXXXC  md XCXXXC    E  dL| md B. ` hp x (# XB 2 (  k  )3   Canon3(A)(6)(failuretoabstainfrompubliccommentand/orfailureto  requirecourtpersonnelsubjecttojudgesdirectiontoabstainfrompubliccommentastoapendingproceeding);andE tԌ̌XCXXXC  md XCXXXC      d< l md B. ` hp x (# XB 2 (  l  )3   Canon3(B)(5)(failuretoperformjudicialduties,bywordsandconduct, < l withoutexhibitingbiasortheperceptionofbias).!  Ԍ̌XCXXXC  md  B.` hp x (# XB hFortheCommission, h h________________________ hDate:________________   h     RobertJ.Guttentag 'D"  hActingChairman hXCXXXC    ݌̌XCXXXC    *%   NOTICEOFDISCOVERYRIGHTS      PursuanttoCommissionRule9A,theCommissionherebynotifiesJudgeLopezthattheCommissionshall,withinareasonabletime,makeavailableforinspectionuponthewrittenrequestoftheJudgeallbooks,papers,records,documents,electronicrecordings,andothertangiblethingswithinthecustodyandcontroloftheCommissionwhicharerelevanttotheissuesofthedisciplinaryproceeding,andanywrittenorelectronicallyrecordedstatementswithinthecustodyandcontroloftheCommissionwhicharerelevanttotheissuesofthedisciplinaryproceeding.  AsspecifiedinCommissionRule9C,nothingintheCommissionRulesandnothinginthisNoticeofDiscoveryRightsshallbeconstruedtorequirethediscoveryofanyreportmadetotheCommissionbyitsstafforSpecialCounsel.Furthermore,ingrantingdiscoverytheCommissionshallprotectagainstdisclosureofthementalimpressions,conclusions,opinions,orlegaltheoriesofitsstaff,SpecialCounsel,orotherrepresentative.   `     h      p FortheCommission,Date:___________    h      p ________________________ H    `     h      p RobertJ.Guttentag   `     h      p ActingChairman-  i-XXCGIHhXT~Xxh p @  dd@E xhxM-  XCXi-