Campbell District Court Judge Gregory T. Popovich has been suspended 15 days for violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The decision by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, which was released June 18, finds Popovich violated five canons of the Code of Conduct.
Popovich was suspended for his actions during a status hearing of a DUI case in August.
At that time, Popovich indicated in a statement captured on video, that assistant prosecutor Cameron J. Belau was assisting the defense with its case.
Belau was challenging Popovich for his seat on the bench at the time.
The Commission ruled Popovich engaged in misconduct in office and failed to observe high standards of conduct and failed to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. In its ruling, the Commission stated it was troubling that Popovich could not see how his actions were improper and reflect poorly on the judiciary and the court system of the Commonwealth.
“In the present proceeding counsel for Judge Popovich said the Judge made some mistakes, but the Commission notes that it can’t recall any testimony by the Judge where he admits to any mistakes or wrongdoing. To the contrary, he aggressively defended his conduct to the very end.”
Popovich can appeal the decision.
Mark Arnzen, an attorney representing Popovich, said in a statement the judge is disappointed in the decision and will consider an appeal.
“When a judge believes there may be favoritism given to certain attorneys in his court, he is duty bound to act,” Arnzen said in a statement Friday. “Judge Popovich has always devoted 100 percent of his efforts to protecting the criminal justice system in Campbell County and he will continue to do so in the future.”
The Commission’s order also stated that Popovich had a private admonition in 1993 as a result of a campaign violation and entered into an Agreed Order of Public Reprimand in 2011.
The Commission’s order will become effective within 10 days after service, unless an appeal is filed in that time.
