Panel Accuses Judge of Mishandling Cases
A Superior Court judge in Riverside County is accused of misconduct for allegedly failing to follow proper procedures before ordering that some parents or guardians lose custody of their children, the state Commission on Judicial Performance said Monday.
Judge Eugene R. Bishop faces four counts of violating due process by not allowing parents or guardians a “notice or reasonable opportunity to be heard” in connection with four cases from 1997 to 1999, according to the commission.
Bishop’s lawyer, James E. Friedhofer, said the judge denied any wrongdoing.
The commission’s actions could range from a warning letter to removal from office, its director said.
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