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In February 2021, eyewitnesses reported that Judge John L. Michalski of the New York State Supreme Court laid down on train tracks. He was hit by a slow moving freight train, and broke his kneecap. Earlier that day, a friend of Michalski’s, strip club owner Peter Gerace Jr., was arrested on federal charges of drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and bribing a Drug Enforcement Administration agent.
Michalski was out on medical leave following his inquiry, and returned to work this January. Then last week, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies raided the home of Judge Michalski. While he was not arrested or charged in relation to the search, the relationship between Michalski and Gerace is reportedly under investigation.
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As the ABA Journal reports, there’s also an ethics investigation afoot:
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating Michalski based on a complaint that he received $5,000 to officiate at Gerace’s wedding, according to the Buffalo News. State law says New York judges can’t accept more than $100 to perform a wedding. Gerace’s ex-wife reportedly made the claim on social media.
The New York Unified Court System made the following statement:
We are aware of the ongoing law enforcement action and at this point are monitoring the situation.
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And, while this isn’t a disciplinary action or a suspension, Michalski’s cases are being reassigned to other judges.
It’ll certainly be interesting to monitor whatever else develops with the situation.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).