On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the New Jersey Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct announced that the formal public hearing regarding ethics charges against Judge Lewis Korngut has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 29 at 10:30 am.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Lewis J. Korngut,” with case number ACJC 2023-20.

The hearing, which will be held remotely, concerns a misconduct complaint filed by the Advisory Committee against Judge Korngut who serves as a judge in the Lawrence Township Municipal Court in Mercer County, New Jersey.

The complaint contains 18 separate allegations spanning 3 counts of misconduct on and off the bench over recent years, according to documents.

Some of the accusations in the amended complaint from September 2023 include that Judge Korngut engaged in improper ex parte communications about case facts with attorneys and law enforcement officers. One instance involved the judge allegedly learning a defendant’s blood alcohol content from an email between defense counsel and the prosecutor, rather than direct communication with the arresting officer.

The complaint also alleges Judge Korngut used profanity on a few occasions in reference to technology issues, though not in front of litigants, lawyers, or during court proceedings. Additionally, it accuses the judge of having inappropriate conversations with officers at community events in Lawrence Township where police were present.

In his verified answer filed in October 2023, Judge Korngut admitted to some factual allegations made against him but denied substantive violations of judicial ethics rules. He acknowledged speaking with attorneys and officers about administrative matters like scheduling but denied discussing case merits.

Judge Korngut also admitted checking with victims in one case, though asserted it was appropriate, and said another discussion was limited to scheduling. He conceded attending township events where officers were occasionally there but stated this was not improper conduct.

The judge admitted to profanity use regarding technology frustrations as alleged but clarified it did not occur in court or in the presence of those involved in cases. His answer also noted mitigating factors like his long career without prior complaints.

If found guilty of one or more ethics violations by clear and convincing evidence after the May 29 public hearing, Judge Korngut could face sanctions from a private reprimand up to removal from office.

Judge Korngut has served as a judge in Lawrence Township Municipal Court for 6 years and spent 12 years as a Deputy Attorney General. He earned a law degree from Seton Hall Law School in 1986. The judge’s courtroom is located at 2211 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township in New Jersey, and can be reached at 609-844-7157.

A copy of the filing can be found here.