The Halls Of Montezuma

The New York Commission on Judicial Conduct has removed a non-attorney judge from office

Respondent, William H. Futrell, a Justice of the Montezuma Town Court, Cayuga County, was served with a Formal Written Complaint (“Complaint”) dated May 15, 2023 containing two charges. Charge I of the Complaint alleged that in or about April 2022, respondent posted Nazi imagery to his Facebook page. Charge II alleged that in or about 2022, respondent’s “Facebook page displayed “Likes” of other Facebook pages that depicted images of scantily clad and/or partially naked women, many of whom were in sexually suggestive poses, and that included content that demeaned or sexually objectified women.” Respondent did not file an Answer.

Nazi imagery

In or around April 2022, respondent maintained a Facebook account with approximately 500 Facebook “Friends.” Respondent’s profile listed his name as Bill Futrell.

In or around April 2022, respondent posted on his Facebook page an image of a human skull that appeared identical to the Nazi SS/Totenkopf forces insignia utilized during World War II. The letters “FF” (“Futrell Firearms”) were emblazoned above the eye sockets of the skull in a style simulating the appearance of the “SS” abbreviation of the Nazi Schutzstaffel. Respondent made this image his profile picture. The profile also falsely indicates that respondent “Works at NYS Unified Court System.”

In or around July 2022, respondent posted on his Facebook page a meme of Facebook Co-Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg dressed in Nazi military garb, including a Totenkopf medal and Schutzstaffel insignia. The meme appeared on respondent’s Facebook page in two forms: on its own and framed with the words, “EXPOSING FRIENDS TO EXTREMIST CONTENT.”

Likes

In or about 2022, respondent’s Facebook “Likes” page displayed a “Like” for a Facebook page entitled “Psychopathic +21.” That Facebook page consisted of numerous photographs of scantily clad and/or partially naked women in sexually provocative poses.

In or about 2022, respondent’s Facebook “Likes” page displayed a “Like” for a Facebook page entitled “Dirty Biker Trash.” That Facebook page consisted of numerous photographs of scantily clad women in sexually provocative poses.

 In or about 2022, respondent’s Facebook “Likes” page displayed a “Like” for a Facebook page entitled “Porngirls.” That Facebook page consisted of numerous photographs of scantily clad women in sexually provocative poses.

Sanction

Respondent’s usefulness as a judge is irretrievably damaged and he is unfit for judicial office.

By reason of the foregoing, the Commission determines that the appropriate disposition is removal.

(Mike Frisch)