On Monday, April 20, 2026, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced its determination that John M. Skinner, a Justice of the Columbia Town Court in Herkimer County, should be removed from office. The decision stems from Skinner’s failure to appreciate fundamental legal precepts and maintain professional competence in the law.

The Commission’s investigation revealed multiple instances of misconduct. Skinner was found to have engaged in unauthorized ex parte communications with defendants in various cases, including criminal and traffic matters. He also dismissed charges without proper notice or consent from the prosecution and summoned a complaining witness to court without legal authority after dismissing their case.

In one instance, Skinner accepted a guilty plea from a defendant with limited English proficiency following an improper ex parte conversation and without an interpreter. Additionally, he failed to record proceedings mechanically as required and demonstrated a lack of understanding of a judge’s role, statutory obligations, and due process.

This is not the first time Skinner has faced disciplinary action. In 2018, he was censured by the Commission for delaying and improperly handling a small claims action, as well as failing to record court proceedings for over eight years.

Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian stated, “For the public to have confidence in a court, the judge must understand and adhere to the law. Mistakes made in good faith are appealable. But there is no room on the bench for judges who disregard or do not understand fundamental legal principles and procedures.”

The Commission served Skinner with a Formal Written Complaint on August 27, 2025, which contained three charges. Skinner did not respond to the complaint. Subsequently, the Administrator moved for summary determination on December 2, 2025, which was granted on January 29, 2026, after Skinner failed to submit a response. The ruling established that the factual allegations of the Complaint were sustained and that the judge’s misconduct was established.

Skinner, who is not an attorney, had served as a Justice of the Columbia Town Court since 2009. He retired from judicial office on December 31, 2025, and his term would have expired on December 31, 2028.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.