Town Justice Ian E. Penders has resigned from the bench following an investigation into two traffic stops in which he allegedly invoked his judicial status in an effort to avoid being ticketed.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced the resignation on November 3, stating that Penders, who had served as Clarkson Town Justice since 2017, agreed to step down and never seek judicial office again. His resignation became effective October 30.
The investigation began in August after a complaint alleged that Penders, while stopped twice in June 2025 for operating a vehicle without a valid license, used his position as a judge in an attempt to avoid citations. He was charged with both a misdemeanor and a violation under the state’s vehicle and traffic laws. On August 15, Penders pleaded guilty to a violation for unlicensed operation and paid a $100 fine.
Rather than face formal proceedings, Penders signed a stipulation agreement with the Commission in which he committed to resign and permanently forgo any future judicial positions. That stipulation was accepted by the Commission on October 30.
In a statement, Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian said:
“Judges are obliged to respect and comply with the laws they are responsible for upholding. They must also refrain from invoking the prestige of judicial office to evade the consequences of an arrest.”
Penders, who is also a licensed attorney, represented himself in the proceedings. His term was set to expire at the end of 2025.
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].