Mark Grisanti, a magistrate in the New York Court of Claims, will not be reappointed for a second term after a heated confrontation with Buffalo law enforcement officers in 2020. Grisanti and his spouse were engaged in a dispute with their neighbor over street parking which escalated into the involvement of the police. Footage from a body camera captured the judge, without a shirt, pushing an officer. Although he was taken into custody, no charges were brought against him for the incident.
The situation with the police escalated when Grisanti’s wife refused to obey an instruction to cease shouting and was placed in handcuffs. The judge intervened and exclaimed, “You better get off my wife.” Erie County District Attorney John Flynn stated to WGRZ that the officers opted not to press charges. Although they were unaware that the individual they apprehended was a judge, Flynn mentioned that the officer later discovered his identity.
The District Attorney personally determined that Grisanti’s behavior was not criminal. He remarked, “This incident essentially amounted to a display of immaturity by four individuals in their 50s and 60s.” Despite the decision made by the officers, the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended in April 2024 that Grisanti be officially reprimanded due to the altercation. Terry Connors, representing Grisanti legally, commented to Spectrum News 1:
“Judge Grisanti has not yet received official notification regarding his reappointment. However, judges and attorneys familiar with his work have expressed their support. Even after a thorough investigation, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that two hours of misconduct did not justify his removal from the bench. All objective indicators uphold his continued service.”
It is plausible to assume that the replacement of Grisanti is primarily due to the bodycam footage. His connections with local law enforcement ultimately led to the dismissal of charges. Without the existence of the footage, this entire incident may have been overlooked.
FAQ
Q: Why was Judge Grisanti not reappointed?
A: Judge Grisanti was not reappointed due to a heated confrontation with Buffalo police officers in 2020, as captured on bodycam footage.
Q: What were the consequences of the altercation?
A: Despite being arrested, Judge Grisanti did not face any charges over the incident. However, the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended censure in April 2024.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the incident involving Judge Grisanti and the police officers resulted in his non-reappointment after a thorough investigation and a recommendation for censure by the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct. The bodycam footage played a crucial role in shedding light on the altercation, leading to repercussions for the judge.
