On Thursday, July 27, 2023, April T. Ademiluyi, judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County denied the allegations of misconduct filed against her before the State of Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of April T. Ademiluyi” with case no. 2022-079.

The charges cited Rule 18-101.1, Rule 18-101.2, Rule 18-102.1, Rule 18-102.2, Rule 18-102.3, Rule 18-102.4, Rule 18-102.5, Rule 18-102.7, Rule 18-102.8(b), Rule 18-102.9, Rule 18-102.11(a)(1), (4) and (c), Rule 18-102.12(a), Rule 18-102.16(a), Rule 18-103.1, Rule 18-104.4(a),(b) and (d) of the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct.

On June 29, 2023, the Commission on Judicial Disabilities officially charged Ademiluyi after an investigation, citing various sections of the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct. The charges encompass a range of issues, including failure to comply with protocols and procedures, misconduct in a criminal jury trial, inappropriate demeanor, alleged misconduct during her election campaign, and lack of cooperation with disciplinary authorities.

In response, Ademiluyi denied that her conduct violated the above-mentioned Code of Judicial Conduct. She explained that she encountered discrimination, scorn, and animosity from fellow judicial colleagues right from the start of her journey to the bench, fueled in part by her campaign statements. She especially faced acrimonious and confrontational conduct from the then-Administrative Judge Sheila R. Tillerson Adams. These cumulative adversities then gave rise to a detrimental atmosphere within the courthouse, leading Judge Ademiluyi to adopt a defensive stance and occasionally respond unfavorably to the perceived hostility aimed at her.

The filing states:

“To the extent the allegations in paragraph 5(i) of the charges concern training policies of Prince George’s County, those documents speak for themselves. Judge Ademiluyi admits that “issues related to Judge Ademiluyi’s training began almost immediately” and that “the Administrative Judge assumed responsibility for the management of Judge Ademiluyi’s training.” Judge Ademiluyi’s training was inordinately delayed as a result of the disparate treatment she received from her judicial colleagues. This disparate treatment was primarily carried out by the then-Administrative Judge. Upon information and belief, the then-Administrative Judge was attempting to sabotage Judge Ademiluyi’s judgeship, a task that became more achievable when she uniquely assumed sole control of Judge Ademiluyi’s training. Judge Ademiluyi denies the remaining allegations set forth in paragraph 5(i) of the charges.”

The filing continues:

“Judge Ademiluyi denies the remaining allegations set forth in paragraph 5(ii) of the charges. Judge Ademiluyi notes that as a part of new judges’ training, Circuit Court judges consult with the Circuit Court employees of the Family Justice Center (the “Center”) to, among other things. familiarize themselves with the services the Center provides to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. During the training. judges are also introduced to technology, such as cameras, used at the Center for sexual assault and domestic violence cases. Judge Ademiluyi notes that her decision of whether to take judicial notice of a Center brochure or a scientific publication during the Lambright hearing is not sanctionable conduct. “

The filing further states:

“Judge Ademiluyi denies the allegations set forth in paragraph 5(iii) of the charges. Judge Ademiluyi acknowledges that, at times, her decorum and demeanor when she criticizes her judicial colleagues in emails, between her and her staff, was unkind. Judge Ademiluyi notes that her decorum and demeanor were in response to the hostility of her judicial colleagues. Judge Ademiluyi is cognizant of her past interactions, understands the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, and has and will always make an effort to strengthen her interpersonal relations within the courthouse.”

Judge Ademiluyi firmly refutes the notion that her actions serve as substantiation for her involvement in any behavior that could undermine the effective operation of justice in Maryland Courts, as outlined in accordance with Article IV, Section 4B(b)(1) of the Maryland Constitution.

April T. Ademiluyi is a judge in Prince George’s County, Maryland since 2020. She was born in Baltimore and studied chemical engineering at the University of Maryland and law at the Antonin Scalia School of Law. She was a solo lawyer for 13 years. You can find more information about her on Maryland Manual On-Line.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.