Wet, Frustrated And Reprimanded

KSN 16 desribed the circumstances of a recent reprimand of a Missouri judge

The reprimand comes after Carthage Police Chief Bill Hawkins and City Manager Greg Dagnan filed a complaint against Nicholas for rude and vulgar treatment after a storm knocked down a utility cable at the judge’s house in May of last year.

Nicholas called the City demanding city resources be diverted from “more pressing emergency situations” like downed trees and power lines in city streets, to his residence instead.

City leaders and emergency personnel placed Nicholas low on the priority list because the downed cable was not dangerous.

However, Nicholas proceeded to call city officials, repeatedly and at one point, complained the City was “spending money to ‘prosecute his friend’,” former Parks and Rec Director, Mark Peterson, instead of using resources on other matters.

The Commission concluded that Judge Nicholas was “known as and identified himself as a judge.” It also ruled that he used his “title and office to demand and get preferential treatment.”

Finally, the Commission stated the judge was “rude to the responders and city employees and freely used vulgarities in an effort to get his way.”

The reprimand order says Judge Nicholas admitted he engaged in the misconduct set out in the Commission’s findings and consented to the discipline.

KGRZ News also reported on the reprimand 

The Missouri Supreme Court this week reprimanded Jasper County Associate Circuit Judge John A. Nicholas for reportedly seeking special treatment from city officials.

After reviewing the complete record filed and the parties having waived briefing and oral argument in this matter, the Court finds that Respondent engaged in misconduct under article V, section 24 of the Missouri Constitution and is in violation of Rules 2-1.2 and 2-2.8(B) of the Judicial Code of Conduct;

Missouri Lawyers Media reports it stems from his behavior last May, when he allegedly yelled and cursed at officials for not fixing a utility cable at his home before others after a storm rolled through.

The commission said the judge has since apologized to the officials and attributed his behavior to a concern for public safety and because he was “wet and frustrated.”

Although a reprimand carries few practical consequences, it marks a rare public disciplinary action against a judge.

(Mike Frisch)