Florida

Claims of Drinking, Calling Police Pigs Get Judge Suspended

Allegations of drunkenness and calling police officers "pigs" has led to the suspension of a Miami-Dade County judge by the Florida Supreme Court.

The court's order Tuesday takes effect immediately for Judge Jacqueline Schwartz. She faces a range of possible penalties, including removal from the bench.

A Judicial Qualifications Commission investigation found that Schwartz appeared to be impaired on March 18 at a Coconut Grove restaurant, where witnesses said she berated waiters and called police "pigs." The probe also found on March 28 Schwartz was drunk on the bench to the point where her bailiff had to drive her home.

Schwartz attributed her behavior to a new prescription medication, not alcohol.

Schwartz was previously suspended and fined $10,000 for swearing at store clerk over one of her campaign signs.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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