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Judge Lokuta Removed From the Bench

Judge Lokuta Removed From the Bench - Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 6:00PM EST

A Luzerne County judge was on the other side of the bench Tuesday in Harrisburg, and that's where she will remain. The state Court of Judicial Discipline ruled 6 to 1 in favor of removing Ann Lokuta from her position. Earlier this year the court ruled she violated the state's Code of Judicial Conduct. The court ruled she mistreated witnesses, attorneys and employees.

Tuesday she learned the cost of those violations. Lokuta's attorney called close to 20 witnesses to testify in her behalf, and Lokuta also took the stand in her own defense. But members of the court blasted Lokuta for what they called her condescending tone when she spoke to attorneys and staff members.

The halls of the Luzerne County Courthouse were buzzing Tuesday with word that Judge Ann Lokuta, at least for now, would not be coming back. The judge's removal sent shockwaves through the Luzerne County legal system. And it raises the question, what happens next? Court administrators tell Eyewitness News it could cause a real challenge for the legal system in Luzerne County.

Judge Lokuta has definitely been a lightning rod for controversy. Some people don’t like her, others love her. Lokuta was the first female judge to ever sit on the bench in Luzerne County. That is something she was always proud of. Now, she becomes the first judge, female or male, to be thrown off the bench.

Judges have been in legal trouble before, and at least one resigned in the 1980's. But Lokuta's situation is a first for Luzerne County. Some at the courthouse say she dug her own grave by not behaving as a judge should. They say she had no respect for others, either in her office or those who appeared before her in court.

No one wanted to appear on camera but those who did at least talk said that Lokuta got what was coming to her, that she deserved it. Others say she was getting a raw deal. Lokuta does have her share of supporters. Her staff stood by her in court and one friend of the judge told Eyewitness News that Lokuta is a fighter and thinks she will be back.

Without Lokuta in her chambers means an already stretched court system will get even tighter. The county has 10 sitting judges and four senior judges who work part time. Eyewitness News spoke to Jack Mulroy, who coordinates court operations. He says, "I will have to meet with court personnel and re-align some cases. Some judges will have to do more."

Mulroy also says Lokuta's three person staff was given two week notices’ Tuesday. They have to have their belongings out of Judge Lokuta's chambers by then. They are "at will employees" of Judge Lokuta, who is at this point, is no longer a judge in Luzerne County.

As for her replacement, the governor can name a replacement, which would then have to be approved by the state senate. Or the position would be on the primary ballot next May. That issue remains uncertain right now.
 


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