On Monday, June 9, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct said that Judge Corey E. Klein of the Long Beach City Court in Nassau County should be censured for misusing his judicial position for personal matters. Judge Klein has accepted the censure, which stems from two incidents that raised concerns about his conduct.

The first incident occurred in April 2024 during a public school board meeting. Judge Klein engaged in a heated exchange with board members regarding their decision not to name his son as valedictorian. Witnesses reported that he interrupted and shouted at the board members, insisting that he should be addressed as a judge during the discussion.

The second incident took place in October 2022 when Judge Klein intervened on behalf of a professional acquaintance whose vehicle was about to be immobilized by police due to unpaid parking tickets. After receiving a text message about the situation, Judge Klein contacted officials at the local police department to request that they refrain from booting the vehicle, claiming the outstanding tickets would be resolved. The police sergeant involved believed Judge Klein was acting in his official capacity when he made this request. Ultimately, the boot was removed, and the acquaintance paid the fines.

In accepting the censure, the Commission noted that Judge Klein recognized the impropriety of his actions and agreed that they warranted public discipline. Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian emphasized that when judges use their office for personal gain, it undermines public trust in the judicial system.

The Commission’s proceedings began with a formal written complaint served to Judge Klein on February 20, 2025, which detailed the two charges against him. On April 24, 2025, an Agreed Statement of Facts was established, whereby Judge Klein and his attorney acknowledged the facts and agreed to the proposed sanction, waiving further submissions or oral arguments. The Commission accepted this agreement on May 1, 2025.

Following its determination made on May 29, 2025, the Commission forwarded its findings to the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, as required by law. Judge Klein has 30 days from receiving the determination to either accept it or request a review from the Court of Appeals.

A copy of the press release can be found here.