On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced the resignation of Jessica Byrne, a Justice of the New Lebanon Town Court in Columbia County, amid an ongoing investigation into multiple allegations against her. The Commission revealed that Byrne resigned on July 29, 2024, after being informed of the investigation, which began in March 2024.
The investigation focused on four complaints that accused Byrne of serious misconduct. Allegations included her dismissal of traffic tickets issued to some relatives, retaliation against a former court clerk who cooperated with the Commission’s inquiry, and inappropriate comments regarding a local dog control officer involved in a pending case. Additionally, it was alleged that she intervened in a matter involving the officer’s spouse, despite being disqualified from that case.
Byrne, who has denied any wrongdoing, agreed to never seek or accept judicial office in the future as part of a stipulation accepted by the Commission. This stipulation was signed on September 17, 2024, and the Commission issued an order accepting it two days later. Notably, Byrne waived her right to confidentiality regarding the Commission proceedings, allowing the stipulation and the Commission’s order to be made public.
The Commission’s news release included a statement from its Administrator, Robert H. Tembeckjian, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. He stated that actions undermining public confidence in the judicial system, such as dismissing tickets for relatives and retaliating against court staff, would not be tolerated.
Having served as a Justice since 2010, Byrne’s current term would have expired on December 31, 2025.
A copy of the press release can be found here.
