On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, The Apalachicola Times reported that Liberty County Judge Kenneth Hosford resigned from his position, ending a judicial misconduct probe against him.

According to documents filed with the Florida Supreme Court, Hosford agreed to resign effective February 29, 2024. His resignation was accepted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Hosford also agreed not to serve as a senior judge or hold any future judicial positions.

The resignation brings an end to an investigation by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) into allegations of misconduct by Hosford. Last year, an investigative panel of the JQC reached a proposed agreement with Hosford that would have led to a 30-day suspension and public reprimand over comments he made during an ex parte communication with a prosecutor.

In November 2023, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) sought to file an amicus brief expressing concern over Hosford’s purported bias against criminal defendants, especially immigrants. Court documents revealed Hosford discussed a pending case with a prosecutor over Zoom and made remarks that suggested bias. He admitted his conduct violated judicial conduct rules.

As the only judge in Liberty County hearing criminal cases, the FACDL argued in court filings that the stipulated sanctions would not sufficiently address their bias concerns. They pointed to comments Hosford made during the recorded conversation that evidenced he viewed himself as a political “boss” of the county when it came to law enforcement.

In December, the JQC investigative panel said it had started a new inquiry into additional allegations of misconduct against Hosford. While no details of these new allegations were provided, the panel’s decision to pursue further investigation suggested the original penalties were inadequate.

Last week’s filing from the JQC said the new inquiry into Hosford had been completed, and his resignation effectively ended the case. As the lone criminal court judge in Liberty County since 1997, Hosford’s departure leaves a vacancy in the county’s judicial system.

 

 

Source: The Apalachicola Times