Former Judge Disbarred

A former judge’s felony conviction has resulted in his disbarment by the New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department

On September 13, 2019, the respondent pleaded guilty before the Honorable David Goodsell, in the County Court, Suffolk County, to the crime of attempted burglary in the second degree, in violation of New York Penal Law §§ 110 and 140.25(2), a class D felony.

The actions taken by the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct are linked here. 

ABC7 NY reported on the charges

A Long Island judge who police say repeatedly broke into his neighbor’s home to steal her underwear has confessed to snatching panties on multiple occasions, even though he has pleaded not guilty.

Still, Suffolk County District Judge Robert Cicale has been removed from the bench and is facing up to 15 years in prison.

Cicale was arrested on burglary charges and appeared in court Friday morning.

The judge is a married father of three young children, and he is accused of sneaking into a home across the street and stealing the underwear of a 23-year-old woman who lives there with her parents. He reportedly knew the girl from when she worked as an intern at the Islip Town Attorney’s Office, when he used to work there.

In his confession, he said he stole the underwear upon feeling “urges.” He admitted that on several occasions, he entered the home, opened her hamper and took underwear.

Cicarle [sic]  was taken into custody after an incident that happened around 9 a.m. Thursday, when the young woman was alone. Prosecutors said she was sleeping but woke up when she heard the door open. She called out, “Hello?” and that’s when she saw Cicale at the doorway.

Authorities say he turned around and ran away, and the victim closed and locked the door and called her mother, who called 911. Responding officers say they saw Cicale walking up to a different house and pretending to knock on the door.

They approached him because he matched the description of the person the victim described. They reportedly found several pairs of soiled women’s underwear on him, which the victim identified as her own.

Cicale has written letter of apology to victim and also provided a written confession.

(Mike Frisch)