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A Rotterdam Town Judge, James Bradshaw Jr., has resigned following an investigation into judicial misconduct. Allegations against Bradshaw included improperly jailing a pregnant mother of six for nearly a week and derogatorily referring to defendants as "animals." The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct formalized an agreement with Bradshaw, requiring him to step down and never return to office. His resignation is effective December 31, although his term was set to expire in 2027.
Bradshaw, who has served since 2016, faced a 10-page complaint detailing various misconduct incidents dating back to 2020. These included failing to apply state bail laws and denigrating attorneys. One notable case involved a pregnant woman held on excessive bail for a petty theft charge, which a state Supreme Court judge later overturned, calling it "arbitrary" and "contrary to the principles of the state and federal constitutions."
The Commission's investigation is suspended but may resume if necessary. Bradshaw, a former police detective, was backed by multiple political parties during his tenure. The Commission emphasized the importance of judges acting impartially and competently to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.