On Monday, October 28, 2024, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that Gary L. Carson, a Justice of the Pittsfield Town Court in Otsego County, had resigned while under investigation for multiple allegations of misconduct. The Commission revealed that Judge Carson’s resignation took effect on August 14, 2024, as he faced an inquiry into complaints regarding his behavior and administrative responsibilities.
The investigation, which began in August, centered on several serious allegations against Judge Carson. These included claims that he exhibited belligerent behavior during public town meetings and in his interactions with fellow town officials. Additionally, he was accused of failing to report and remit court funds promptly, violating legal requirements. Other complaints detailed his improper handling of his son’s traffic tickets, unauthorized political activities—specifically circulating nominating petitions for a town council candidate—and engaging in ex parte communications regarding pending cases.
Moreover, the Commission noted concerns about Judge Carson’s health, suggesting it may have hindered his ability to fulfill his judicial duties effectively. In light of these allegations, Carson agreed to resign from his position and to refrain from seeking or accepting any future judicial office. The stipulation detailing this agreement was signed by both Judge Carson and the Commission’s Administrator, Robert H. Tembeckjian.
Judge Carson, who has never been an attorney, was appointed as a Justice of the Pittsfield Town Court in 2023. His term was scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2027. The Commission accepted the stipulation on October 24, 2024, making it public after Judge Carson waived the confidentiality typically associated with such proceedings.
In a statement, Commission Administrator Tembeckjian expressed that the range of misconduct alleged against Judge Carson, coupled with health concerns affecting his judicial performance, necessitated his resignation for the betterment of the public and the judicial system.
