On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a notice announcing a fact-finding hearing regarding the case against substitute judge David Ruzumna of the King County District Court.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge David Ruzumna,” with case number 11424-F-210.
The hearing is scheduled to take place over two days beginning on November 19, 2024 via videoconference. The presiding officer will be Michael Evans, with additional panel members including Ramon Alvarez, Ryan Archer, Terrie Ashby-Scott, Wanda Briggs, Kristian Hedine, Erik Price, Gerald Schley, LaWonda Smith-Marshall, and Judie Stanton.
Members of the public will be able to access the remote proceedings through a livestream on the Commission’s website. Instructions for viewing will be posted in advance of the start of the hearing.
The fact-finding involves charges that were publicly filed on May 6, 2024 regarding an incident that occurred last year. According to reports, Judge Ruzumna had engaged in an ongoing joke with a parking attendant near the King County Courthouse, showing various proofs of employment like pay stubs or his judicial robes in an attempt to receive the discounted daily parking rate of $20 instead of the regular $30 fee.
However, as a pro tempore judge, Ruzumna was not actually eligible for the reduced price. In February 2023, it is alleged that Ruzumna took his joking a step further by forging an official-looking document with his name and title stamped with seals and a purported signature from another judge. He presented this fake document in another attempt to prove his employment status and access the lower parking rate.
The parking attendant was not convinced and continued charging the standard price as usual. They later reported the incident to their manager, who notified the court. An investigation found that Ruzumna did not have permission to use the seals or signature from the other judge. He now faces charges of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits misusing authority for financial gain or appearing to act improperly.
If found at fault, Ruzumna could face sanctions from the Commission, ranging from a recommendation of suspension or removal from the bench by the Supreme Court. He has since resigned his pro tem position in King County but remains active in Snohomish County courts.
Ruzumna stated the forged document was merely meant as a foolish joke but acknowledges it created an improper impression. The fact-finding hearing aims to determine the appropriate disciplinary response in this case.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
