A New York judge has resigned while under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct for allegedly encouraging a minor to have sex with his teenage son, offering her gifts and money in exchange for sexual favors.
Judge George K. Wittlinger, a Justice in the Town of Ancram, Columbia County also accused of providing her with alcohol beverages.
The Commission appraised Wittlinger in December 2021 that it was investigating. He was scheduled to appear for testimony on January 12, 2022. Instead ,he resigned and left office on December 31, 2021.
He agreed to never seek or accept judicial office at any time in the future.
The Commission accepted a stipulation to that effect, signed by the judge and the Commission’s Administrator, and closed its investigation.
Judge Wittlinger, who is not an attorney, had been a Justice of the Ancram Town Court since 1999. His current term would have expired on December 31, 2023.
“Claims of sexual impropriety, particularly where they involve a judge and a minor, must be dealt with promptly as well as fairly, in order to maintain public confidence in the courts,” Commission Administrator Rober Tembeckjian said in a statement. “Whether or not such serious allegations lead to criminal or civil proceedings, the Judicial Conduct Commission will investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action. Effectuating a judge’s permanent departure from the bench is our most significant authority, and that happened here.”
William Dreyer represented Judge Wittlinger in the matter.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].