JUDGE CENSURED IN PARK EXCURSION

Newsday/Rick Brand

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has censured Family Court Judge AndrewG. Tarantino, Jr., for taking a troubled 20 year old male drug defendant on a ride to Robert MosesState Park in 2009 without the knowledge or permission of any lawyers on the case.  In itsnine-page ruling, the commission determined it was improper as well as inappropriate and showedextremely poor judgment for Tarantino to take an out of court excursion with the young manduring a lunch recess.  Victim rights advocate Laura Ahearn said the censure sends a powerfulmessage his actions were inconsistent with the ethical standards...required of judges. Tarantino first came under fire from Ahearn last August.  She complained Tarantino joked aboutchild pornography during a hearing involving a sex offender.  Tarantino was moved to a civilcourt, though no explanation was given.  David Bookstaver, spokesman for the Office CourtAdministration, said yesterday the transfer was also prompted by the commission's
investigation.
(New York)