On Thursday, August 21, 2025, The Daily Record reported that Anne Arundel County Orphans’ Court Chief Judge Vickie Gipson did not attend a hearing before the Maryland judicial disciplinary body, which is investigating allegations of misconduct against her. The absence of Gipson and her legal counsel was noted as the investigative counsel provided opening statements and began calling witnesses.

During the proceedings, several employees from the Anne Arundel County Register of Wills office testified about disruptive conflicts between Gipson and Judge Marc Knapp, another member of the Anne Arundel Orphans’ Court. Witnesses characterized the interactions between the two judges as “disruptive,” particularly during public hearings. Court administrator Eunice Owens stated that Gipson and Knapp frequently interrupted each other, with such behavior occurring at least once daily when the court was in session. Owens described Gipson’s communication style as “passive aggressive,” noting that discussions often went poorly unless they aligned with her perspective.

Tameka Smith, another employee at the Register of Wills office, echoed these sentiments, stating that the conflicts between Gipson and Knapp were well-known among staff. She remarked, “It was either her way or no way.”

Knapp testified that Gipson informed the orphans’ court that no further opinions would be issued, a statement that he interpreted as a means to prevent dissent. He also claimed that Gipson made numerous changes to his legal documents, leading him to feel unable to sign some of them.

Earlier this year, the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities found probable cause to believe that Gipson engaged in sanctionable conduct. This included accusations of having repeated verbal altercations with Knapp both in chambers and during public court sessions. The commission’s findings indicated that Gipson misused her authority, made public comments about confidential matters, altered court hours contrary to legal requirements, and attempted to bypass established commission procedures. Staff members reported feeling uncomfortable due to the verbal conflicts between the two judges.

The hearing took place before an 11-member commission, where both investigative counsel and Gipson could present witnesses and evidence. If a judge does not consent to discipline, the commission can issue reprimands or recommend actions such as removal or censure to the Maryland Supreme Court.

Gipson has been a judge since December 2018 and became chief judge in 2023. She entered a general denial to the commission’s findings, citing “mitigating circumstances” involving workplace violence and alleged discrimination by Knapp.

Gipson had previously filed for a peace order against Knapp in May 2024, claiming harassment and stalking. She described his behavior as increasingly aggressive and hostile, leading to a temporary peace order granted by the Anne Arundel County District Court. Charges of stalking were later brought against Knapp but were not prosecuted.

Knapp also faces disciplinary proceedings, with investigators accusing him of engaging in confrontations with Gipson, undermining her authority, and secretly recording discussions among judicial colleagues. He is described as the “primary aggressor” in their disputes. Knapp has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that while his relationship with Gipson may have been contentious, it did not breach the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct.

The hearing initially scheduled for Gipson’s case on Friday has been cancelled, with the next session set for October 10 at 12 p.m. in the Howard County Circuit Court, according to the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities’ website.

 

 

Source: The Daily Record