On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, FOX 5 DC reported that former Prince George’s County Circuit Court Judge April Ademiluyi broke her silence after being removed from the bench in May.

In an exclusive interview with FOX 5 Chief Legal Correspondent Katie Barlow, Judge Ademiluyi contested the findings of the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities which led to her dismissal. The Commission found that Judge Ademiluyi failed to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, maintain proper courtroom decorum, complete necessary training, and demonstrated a lack of impartiality during a rape trial.

However, Judge Ademiluyi claimed the Commission took her actions out of context. She asserted that she was not allowed to present retaliation claims during the Commission’s investigation into her conduct. Judge Ademiluyi had previously filed a complaint accusing other judges in the courthouse, namely Judges Sheila Tillerson Adams and DaNeeka Cotton, of accessing her computer without permission to forge her signature on a court order.

This complaint led to internal hostilities at the courthouse, according to Judge Ademiluyi. She alleged the accusations sparked retaliation against her, which influenced the Commission’s supposedly biased probe. Both Judges Adams and Cotton denied all of Judge Ademiluyi’s claims, stating that the Commission determined the complaints to be baseless.

Despite the controversy, there were signs of disagreement or tension before Ademiluyi’s allegations. The Commission discovered text messages from early in Judge Ademiluyi’s term referring to “evil people in the courthouse.” She implied Judge Adams targeted her for winning the election as an outsider candidate opposed to the traditional appointment. Such upsets of incumbent judges are rare.

Judge Ademiluyi has since filed a lawsuit against the Commission and colleagues over their actions. She sees it as a stand for the over 200,000 residents who voted for her. While the Commission initially suggested a temporary suspension, the Maryland Supreme Court ultimately voted to remove Judge Ademiluyi from the bench in May. The legal battle is ongoing as she continues to claim retaliation influenced the process, resulting in the loss of her position.

 

 

Source: FOX 5 DC