On Friday, March 27, 2026, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended the removal of Walter W. Jones, a justice of the Canandaigua Town Court in Ontario County, citing repeated use of a racial slur and conduct that created an appearance of bias, according to a public news release.

The Commission determined that Jones, who has served on the bench since 1999, engaged in inappropriate behavior during two separate incidents in May 2024. In one instance, following arraignments, Jones recounted a story in a parking lot outside the Ontario County Jail, during which he repeatedly used the “n-word” while quoting language attributed to his father. The remarks, delivered over several minutes, were unrelated to court proceedings and were overheard by a court clerk and an assistant public defender, both of whom reported being disturbed by the incident.

Five days later, during a court appearance involving a Black defendant with visible injuries, Jones made comments referencing race, including a statement suggesting the defendant had “played the race card.” The Commission found that the remarks, combined with the earlier incident, reflected racial insensitivity and raised concerns about the judge’s impartiality.

In its determination, the Commission concluded that Jones’ conduct demonstrated “indicia of racial animus and insensitivity” and an apparent failure to recognize the impact of his statements. It rejected his explanations, which included claims that the language was used for authenticity and to convey a broader message about tolerance.

The Commission further stated that his actions undermined public confidence in the judiciary and irreparably damaged the perception that he could act impartially, a fundamental requirement for judicial office.

Jones had previously been cautioned twice for unrelated conduct, including directing a court clerk to contact a witness in a pending matter and failing to remit court funds in a timely manner.

Following formal proceedings that included a hearing in August 2025 and oral arguments in January 2026, the Commission issued its determination earlier in March. The matter has been transmitted to the New York Court of Appeals, which may review the findings. Jones has 30 days to request such a review; otherwise, removal will proceed in accordance with the determination.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.