FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE # 059

FROM: CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA



The Opinion handed down on the 19th day of August, 2002, are as follows:

BY CALOGERO, C.J.:

2002-O- 1975 IN RE: JUDGE SHARON K. HUNTER CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT

Upon review of the record, we conclude that the most severe discipline is warranted in this case. Judge Hunter's utter failure to discharge her administrative duties in a diligent and professional competent manner and her ongoing refusal to cooperate with the appellate court in securing record transcripts for appellate review has resulted in grave consequences. Judge Hunter's conduct, moreover, constitutes a willful and persistent failure to perform her duty and persistent, public conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute. Accordingly, it is ordered, adjudged, and decreed that the respondent, Judge Sharon Hunter of Section C of the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, be, and is hereby, removed from office, and that her office be, and is hereby, declared to be vacant. Furthermore, the respondent is ordered pursuant to La. Sup. Ct. Rule XXIII, Section 26 to refrain from qualifying as a candidate for judicial office for five years and until certified by this court as eligible to become a candidate for judicial office. Finally, exercising the discretion allowed this court by La. Sup. Ct. Rule XXIII, Section 22, we cast the respondent with $5,000.00 of the costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of her case. Any rehearing in this matter shall be filed no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2002.

REMOVAL FROM JUDICIAL OFFICE ORDERED.

JOHNSON, J., concurs and assigns reasons.

KNOLL, J., concurs and assigns reasons.

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