The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has removed Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio from office. The decision of the 11-member panel was unanimous.
Commission Administrator Robert Tembeckjian said after a lengthy process, the commission based its decision on her original conviction for drunken driving, her reaction to state troopers on her arrest and her invoking her office as a judge in an attempt to evade arrest.
The commission’s counsel also cited Astacio’s unannounced trip to Thailand while she was on probation, and comments she made from the bench in several cases that the commission deemed inappropriate. She also failed to recuse herself from a case involving a former law client. The commission also cited her attempt to evade the ignition interlock installed on her car. The commission says it has not taken up the charges related to Astacio’s attempt to buy a gun while on probation.
The commission spokesman said “each of these acts is serious individually. In their totality, they reveal a judge who is unfit to remain on the bench.” Tembeckjian said in each case, Astacio’s behavior and willingness to accept responsibility was lacking.
Judge Astacio has 30 days to either accept the decision and resign, or to appeal. Once removed, she cannot be a judge again in New York State. An appeal to the state’s highest court would take three to five months.
As to the length of the commission’s deliberations, said the commission is underfunded and understaffed. He also said everyone is entitled to due process, which takes time.
After first asking reporters outside her home to leave, Judge Astacio said she believes the attention focused on her case caused authorities to crack down on her unusually harshly.