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Can Judge Parker remain a lawyer?
> Should Judge Parker keep his license?
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Ohio Supreme Court will decide whether Mason Municipal Court Judge George Parker keeps his law license but he likely won't know the justices's ruling for months.
A hearing is scheduled on Tuesday in Columbus. Parker is appealing a disciplinary panel's recommendations. The supreme court panel investigated complaints about how the judge treated people in court.
Mason Municipal Court Judge George Parker could lose his law license depending on the ruling of the Ohio Supreme Court.What exactly is in store for Parker?
Parker and his attorney George Jonson are scheduled to appear at 11 a.m. Tuesday before Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer and the six justices. Parker, accused of making inappropriate comments — won't be allowed to speak.
Jonson will address the justices, first arguing that Parker suffers from a mental disorder diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder that caused most of the bizarre behavior charged in the seven-count complaint filed by the state Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline.
Disciplinary counselor Joe Caligiuri — basically the prosecutor — will make his 15-minute argument after that. The supreme court justices are free to, and often do, interrupt the lawyers to ask questions.
Justices will meet at the end of the day and make a decision, supreme court spokesman Chris Davey said. One justice will write the opinion for the majority and another justice will write a dissenting opinion if there is one.
After the opinions are drafted the justices meet again to make any revisions. The release of the final opinion can take two to three months.
Judge started investigation that could end with court taking away his law license
The Ohio Supreme Court rarely gets a case quite like Mason Municipal Court Judge George Parker's.
From the beginning, it's been unique — Parker initiated the investigation himself in an effort, he said, to quiet his critics.
That's not how it turned out.
The state's Disciplinary Counsel filed a seven-count complaint against Parker in 2005 citing 17 examples in which the judge allegedly bullied lawyers into plea deals, humiliated defendants and others who appear in court and in one case allegedly asked a lawyer to lie about a 911 emergency call he made from the court.
Since 1998, the Ohio Supreme Court has investigated complaints against 18 judges, according to the court Web site. Most are relatively straightforward cases of alcohol and drug abuse, elections violations, accepting loans and football tickets from attorneys. In a couple of the cases, judges have been accused of injudicious behavior. Parker is one of them.
The longest punishment imposed was an indefinite suspension of a former judge convicted on drug charges, misused his contempt of court powers and grossly exceeded the bounds of professionalism. However, the high court found the judge's conduct during the disciplinary proceedings most egregious.
"That a lawyer who once served as a member of the judiciary in this state would submit dishonest or misleading information during the disciplinary investigation to cover up his misuse of judicial authority is an affront to our entire legal and disciplinary system," the opinion read.
Disciplinary Counsel Jonathan Coughlan has accused Parker of the same thing and in his brief to the court focused on Parker's apparent dishonesty.
He would not say if the court's ruling in that case influenced his focus in Parker's case.
The Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline recommended Parker's law license be suspended for 18 months. The suspension would only be in effect for a year if Parker remains in treatment for a mental illness, which experts described during the hearings as narcissistic personality disorder.
Parker appealed the recommended punishment, setting up a hearing on Tuesday at the supreme court in Columbus.
Parker since then filed a writ of mandamus, trying to stay on the November ballot. He now wants to be run for re-election after his attorney George Jonson in his brief to the court stated that Parker wouldn't be a judge after December, when Parker's current term ends.
To further complicate matter, Parker's clerk, Bill Scherpenberg, filed a amicus brief stating that Parker's mental disorder basically shouldn't be considered because he described the complaints against the judge as a witch hunt.
On Wednesday, the supreme court struck Scherpenberg's brief which means he can not speak at the judge's appeal hearing on Tuesday in Columbus.
Only one other case took as long as investigation of Mason judge
Why did it take four years to investigate and review complaints about the conduct of Mason Municipal Court Judge George Parker?
Allegations of misconduct in Parker's case date back to 2003. It took almost a year for the formal complaint to be filed in October 2005 and it has taken another two years to get the case before the Ohio Supreme Court, which disciplines lawyers and judges.
Only one other case in the past decade took as long, according to records on the Supreme Court Web site. Of 18 complaints against judges since 1998, one lasted four-and-a-half years. The quickest? Just shy of two years.
It's the process, said the state's Disciplinary Counsel Jonathan Coughlan. He acts much like a prosecutor to review and pursue complaints about a judge.
Tom Fitton, president of the national watchdog group Judicial Watch in Washington, D.C., disagreed, saying the discipline that results from the investigation of a judge's conduct is not tough enough.
"I think the punishments that are meted out in response to allegations of corruption, that's usually the problem with it," he said. "The problem in our experience is the end result not the process."
Of the 18 cases handled by the Ohio Supreme Court, 10 resulted in some suspension of the judge's license; and, eight received only public reprimands.
Cases that involve multiple accusations against a judge take extensive investigation, Coughlan said.
Then once the complaint is filed, scheduling hearings takes time because the people who sit on the hearing panels and the state Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline are all volunteers. Plus the full board only meets every other month.
Then if judge disputes the recommended punishment, a hearing must be scheduled before the Ohio Supreme Court. That's what happened with Parker.
Of the 18 discipline cases, only 8 were appealed to the supreme court. After oral arguments it takes months for a decision. In two cases, the justices took eight months to decide.
Disciplinary cases aren't made public during the investigation stage. Coughlan said judges can be harmed if someone has made a false allegation against them. He had one such case where a judge's rival ran ads saying the judge was being investigated.
"The investigation didn't pan out into anything," Coughlan said. "So that judge got smeared in the public's eyes just before the election."
Parker is on the ballot Nov. 6. He faces an 18-month suspension — with six months erased if he stays in therapy for a mental illness — if the high court sides with disciplinary counsel.
The case against Judge George Parker
January 2002: Sworn in as judge in Mason Municipal Court.
March 2003: Signed a search warrant on a theft case and accompanied police to the suspect's home. Never told attorneys about his personal involvement in the case.
May 2003: Dialed 911 from his chambers to arrange for transportation of a defendant after Mason police stopped driving prisoners to and from the Warren County Jail. Asked the defendant's lawyer to write a letter stating that the call was assistant Mason City Prosecutor Matt Graber's idea.
Cited Mason Police Chief Ron Ferrell with contempt and ordered him arrested after he refused to transport prisoners to Parker's court.
November 2003: Jailed a defendant's mother after she raised her hand to ask a question. Parker said she uttered an epithet. She denied it.
July 2004: Mason City Council considers disbanding the municipal court.
October 2005: A seven-count complaint is filed against Parker by the state Disciplinary Counsel.
June 2006: Hearing by an Ohio Supreme Court panel. Panel orders a psychological evaluation because of how Parker performed at the hearing.
February 2007: Revealed at hearing that Parker suffers from a mental illness diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder.
June 2007: The state Board of Commissioners of Grievances and Discipline recommends Parker's law license be suspended for 18 months with six months stayed (erased) if he remains in treatment.
Oct. 9, 2007: 9 a.m. Supreme Court oral argument in Columbus. The oral argument can be viewed late Tuesday at http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/videostream/archives/2007/
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.
Comments
By andy tantes
October 17, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
i have appeared in front of this judge. he acted like he saved my life by giving me probation for driving without a license,totally out in left field. he’s a legend in his own mind. the city of mason should just eliminate their court.
By kramerstein
October 13, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this
Chances are he is ‘untrainable’ or ‘unsalvageable’ if he has a serious anti-social NPD. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience, where else can he be placed that benefits both himself and society ?
But he must be taken out of an ‘authority and supervisory’ role.
He’s probably A+ blood type, and its not NPD, but BPD. Explains the church. A god complex. Very disturbing. And he is one of millions. They made J.Meyer rich!
Rgds
By Sally
October 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Any person with a known mental illness of any kind should not be in any position of authority. Lord knows we have enough narcissistic, troubled people in our judicial system and government now. If this judge’s attorney is assuming a defense of mental illness and says there should be no punishment, the paradox here is that there is an admission of inability to make rash judgements. Narcissistic personalities, like sociopathic personalities are incurable. He needs to be removed. Immediately!
By MMSNI
October 11, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
I had stood in front of George Parker representing myself and I have never expected the kind of care he showed. Although, the decision was not in my favor I am greatful for the respect he showed me. The fact of the matter is I am not a repeat offender and frankly people need to learn to handle the truth. It is a shame that people feel that he is a tyrant. At the end of the day repeat offenders have no respect for the law and thus they do not deserve respect!
By KO
October 11, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
To Cinci Natty Fatty You can go on line at Ohio State Supreme Court George Parker, and read the accusations and the proceedings. I googled it and got all kinds of information!
By KO
October 11, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Maybe the church lady should spend a day with Parker when he’s on the bench. I think it’s an outrage that Parker is a church going man and still treats human beings as if they’re something less. There are many people who go to church every Sunday, volunteer their time and their only concern is how it looks to their peers. Even if he does see repeat offenders, his job is to punish them according to the law. It’s not about feeding his own ego!
By Damir
October 10, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
He destroyed many fates ,he will burn in hell.
By Jen
October 10, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I work for a judge and happen to be familiar with Judge Parker. I have read briefs on this case submitted to the Supreme Court. I have heard stories from both sides and I must say that Judge Parker should be removed from the bench. I do want to point out to “bob” who commented that “most men who put on a robe have personality disorders” that perhaps there are some judges who give all of the others a bad name. Most judges are fair and try to give everyone equal punishment according to the law.
By Debbie
October 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Why point out misspelling of a word? I believe that they ask for our opinion not perfect spelling. Grow up!
By Terry
October 10, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
To FTG- I know Mike Conese. He was involved with the Democratic party once and was disgraced when he was involved with forced employee contributions to the party.Haven’t heard from him since. You are correct. When you talk to him, you immediately see that he is an egotistical person. I kept my conversations with him short as he was too obnoxious to deal with. Your first instinct is to deck him.
By Jen
October 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I recently worked with George Parker at MBA Insurance Group, on 9501 Union Cemetery Road in Loveland, from what I was told he is now their attorny,(I am not sure how that works), In my opinion he is a tyrant, a liar, and he is one of the most dishonest people I have ever met. No one like him should ever be able to pass judgement on anyone else. Looks like he is getting his judgement now.
By JenniferWhte
October 10, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I recently worked with George Parker at MBA Insurance Group, on 9501 Union Cemetery Road in Loveland, from what I was told he is now their attorny,(I am not sure how that works), In my opinion he is a tyrant, a liar, and he is one of the most dishonest people I have ever met. No one like him should ever be able to pass judgement on anyone else. Looks like he is getting his judgement now.
By JenniferWhte
October 10, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I recently worked with George Parker at MBA Insurance Group, on 9501 Union Cemetery Road in Loveland, from what I was told he is now their attorny,(I am not sure how that works), In my opinion he is a tyrant, a liar, and he is one of the most dishonest people I have ever met. No one like him should ever be able to pass judgement on anyone else. Looks like he is getting his judgement now.
By JenniferWhte
October 10, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
I recently worked with George Parker at MBA Insurance Group, on 9501 Union Cemetery Road in Loveland, from what I was told he is now their attorny,(I am not sure how that works), In my opinion he is a tyrant, a liar, and he is one of the most dishonest people I have ever met. No one like him should ever be able to pass judgement on anyone else. Looks like he is getting his judgement now.
By FTG
October 10, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
There used to be a judge in Hamilton Municiple Court by the name of Mike Coneese. He had a serious Napoleon complex. This “man” would through anyone in jail. I was in court one day and watched him through 2 people in jail for chewing gum in “his” court room. They really need to look at the family and psych background of these people before they go tossing them responsibilities like this. If you think a nut-job with a knife is bad you haven’t seen a nut-job with a gavil and black robe.
By Terry
October 10, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
To Cinci Natty Fatty-Good point on the cynical comment.However, Parker is in a highly visible position who has a job that will either make or break a person’s future, dependant on his decision. Yes, he probably gets tired of seeing repeat offenders in his courtroom and alot of them are low lifes, but,I would think that to do the job correctly, you need to somehow put your personal feelings aside and judge as the law requires.As for documents and testimony-we don’t know anymore than you do on it.
By Cinci Natty Fatty
October 10, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Only in America can their be so many outspoken and opinionated people. Venture a bet. Not one of the individuals commenting on George Parkers case have read a single factual document related to this case or heard any of the testimony thus far. This is a man clearly cynical with how he views the world around him. Looking at the same low life repeat offenders coming before you and you’d gradually become disenfranchised and pissed off to. Get real.
By preacher,franklin,ohio
October 10, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
god,help,him,geter,done,for,jesus,god,bless,you,all.
By bob
October 10, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
in my opinion most men who put on the robe have personality disorders.
By Terry
October 10, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
I don’t know this person as he doesn’t operate in Middletown. However, if he has a personality disorder and uses his judicial power to demonstrate how much pain he can inflict, he should be removed from the bench and medically evaluated as to whether he should continue his time on the bench. The last thing we need, with all the other problems in our judicial system, is a loose cannon determining people’s futures and running a “hangman’s court”
By Riverdale Ghost
October 9, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
What is meant by “suspension”? Not allowing him to act as a judge for a given period of time? If he is guilty or mentally disabled, he shouldn’t be a judge at all. And, I don’t know enough about it to comment further. The newspaper should go more into the matter before asking opinions.
By BridgeBurner
October 9, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
His license to practice nationwide should be revoked.
By BridgeBurner
October 9, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
His license to practice law nationwide should be revoked.
By Michael
October 9, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Just one of the many overzaelous judges, who allow prosecutors and police to trample on our constitutional rights
By r. norman
October 9, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
By cjc
October 9, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Testing whether this is working.
By jc
October 9, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
i’m glad i live in middletown,not mason or lebanon.
By 21
October 9, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
I think anyone who can’t spell lose (Loose), like Bill should be banned from this board!!!
By Marcia Plants
October 8, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
There is a need to find the truth in this matter before throwing stones…
By Marcia Plants
October 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
My husband and I have known George Parker for some years now and have found him to be a leader in his professional and personal life! He does have a sense of humor about life and loves the Lord with all of his soul! We
would vote for him in a heart beat for Judge!!!!!!!!!! I have worked with him in the Board of Deacon’s at Montgomery Community Church on Montgomery Rd for four years and he was highly respected, equipped to do his responsiblities and duties.
Thank You
By Betty
October 5, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, Judge Parker has insulted and hurt many people with no feelings of remorse or responsibility. It’s always different when it comes home. Parker needs to remember that others should have the same respect, compassion, and understanding that he is asking for now. Parker is taking no responsibility for his actions now and I doubt that he ever will. I don’t think he should ever be allowed to run for office again and I don’t know why anyone would hire him as their attorney!
By Bill
October 3, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
I believe he most definitely should loose his license and be barred from ever running for elected office anywhere again! He should be locked up with the worst criminals in prison and left to rot !
He’s almost the worst kind of person there is, except those judges and lawyers involved in pushing, selling or fronting for drugs in our cities! Those people should be taken out and shot on the spot, period!
By Mary Smith
October 3, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Someone should review the cases that Judge Parker precided over because court decisions made by a narcissistic judge depend on the judge’s self centered whims and many people were probably unfairly sentenced. I hate to think of the numbers of people who have felony convictions for offences that would have been reduced to misdemeaners under most other judges. The people he sentenced unfairly are permanently stigmatized. Yes, he definitely should lose his license! Misuse if power is criminal.