On Thursday, October 3, 2024, New Jersey Globe reported that the New Jersey Supreme Court has removed Elizabeth Municipal Court Judge Richard Obuch from his position due to allegations of inappropriate behavior while under the influence of alcohol at a judges’ holiday party in December. This decision follows a formal complaint filed by the state against Obuch in early July.
The allegations against Obuch include inappropriate physical contact with three court employees during the event. According to the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC), Obuch engaged in nonconsensual acts, including kissing a court worker in a photo booth. Additionally, the committee noted that he interacted with adult entertainment figures on social media and was seen embracing an adult film actress at an Exxxotica Convention the previous November.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Obuch admitted that the allegations outlined in the complaint were accurate and acknowledged that his conduct was indefensible. He had been suspended without pay since July 8 and did not contest the charges brought against him.
The ACJC’s initial complaint detailed that Obuch consumed a significant amount of alcohol during the party, including two Old Fashioneds, Sangria, and at least five shots of tequila and vodka. It was reported that he became intoxicated within 45 minutes of arriving at the event and continued to drink for over two hours.
Obuch had been serving as a judge in Elizabeth since 2002. This incident marks his second disciplinary action; in 2012, he received a reprimand for acting as a private attorney for an Elizabeth City employee while also involving himself in a criminal case against that individual.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Obuch is permanently barred from holding any judicial office, marking a significant step in addressing misconduct within the judiciary.
Source: New Jersey Globe
