On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Press Herald reported that the Maine Supreme Judicial Court is considering disciplinary actions against Ellsworth Probate Judge William Blaisdell for failing to pay taxes and child support.

The 54-year-old Blaisdell did not file tax returns for three years between 2020 and 2022. He also owed more than $33,000 in unpaid child support to his ex-wife. In March, he was found in contempt of court by a Waldo County judge for not paying the child support and was ordered to pay $50,000, including late fees and legal costs, to avoid 90 days in jail.

At a hearing before the high court, the Committee on Judicial Conduct recommended removing Blaisdell from office due to his legal and financial issues. However, as an elected official, only the state legislature has the power to remove a judge, not the courts. During the hearing, Blaisdell expressed his desire to keep his $30,000 a year job as probate judge, saying he has no plans to resign before his term ends in 2026.

The committee opened its investigation after a district judge in Belfast reported Blaisdell’s conduct to both the oversight committee and the Board of Overseers of the Bar. Blaisdell, who also runs a private law firm in Ellsworth, failed to cooperate and respond to the committee’s inquiries into the matter earlier this year. A lawyer for the committee argued judges must adhere to higher ethical standards and that Blaisdell’s actions have undermined public trust in the judiciary.

At the hearing, Blaisdell acknowledged mistakes but cited struggles with health issues and an overwhelming caseload of court-appointed criminal defense and custody cases. However, the justices questioned how seriously he was taking responsibility. Additionally, he was suspended from receiving further appointed cases by the head of the Public Defense Commission due to a complaint.

The Board of Overseers is also reviewing potential discipline against Blaisdell. When asked what penalty he felt was suitable, Blaisdell suggested a public censure, while the committee pushed for removal. The high court did not indicate when a decision would be made on disciplinary actions for the embattled Ellsworth probate judge.

 

 

Source: Press Herald