Public Decisions Database
This database contains decisions on all public judicial disciplinary cases since the inception of the commission in 1960. Cases not involving public charges or public discipline remain confidential under the California Constitution and the commission’s rules.
Pursuant to amendments to the Constitution, which took effect in March 1995, the commission is authorized to impose all disciplinary sanctions, subject to discretionary review by the Supreme Court. Prior to that, the Supreme Court had the authority to censure or remove judges from office upon recommendation by the commission.
Case Profile
New SearchFirst Name | Valeriano |
Last Name | Saucedo |
Title | Judge |
Inquiry No. | 194 |
Court Level | Superior Court |
County/Appellate District | Tulare |
Discipline/Determination | Removal from office |
Decision By | Commission |
Date of Decision | 12/01/2015 |
Method of Resolution | Decision |
Types of Misconduct | Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Gifts/loans/favors/ticket-fixing Miscellaneous off-bench conduct Improper business, financial or fiduciary activities |
Petition For Review | Denied 5/25/16 |
Summary | The commission ordered Judge Saucedo removed from office for a course of conduct toward his courtroom clerk that included manufacturing an anonymous letter that accused her in crude terms of having an affair with a court bailiff, using the letter and numerous gifts worth thousands of dollars in an attempt to pressure the clerk into a close, personal relationship, and providing legal advice to her son. After the clerk informed the judge that she was going to request a transfer from his department, he deposited $8,000 into her bank account. Later that day, during a court proceeding, the judge gave a note to the clerk, accusing her of extortion, in an attempt to intimidate the clerk and ensure her silence. |
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