Deanna Rock Reprimanded

Deanna R. Rock, a Family Court judge for West Virginia's 23rd Family Court Circuit, was reprimanded by the state Supreme Court of Appeals after the Judicial Hearing Board found clear and convincing evidence she lied under oath during a disciplinary investigation. The case centered on a letter written by a family court Board member that lodged misconduct allegations against Judicial Disciplinary Counsel in connection with a separate pending disciplinary matter. Records obtained from Rock's court-issued computer showed she had communicated with another judge's assistant about the letter before it was sent — but during her own sworn statement to investigators, Rock denied having seen the letter beforehand, denied discussing it with that judge prior to receiving it, and denied any involvement in drafting or editing it.

The Hearing Board found these denials false. The Supreme Court determined Rock committed two violations of Rule 2.16(A) (candor to disciplinary authorities) and one violation of Rule 1.1 of the West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct, reprimanded her, and ordered her to pay the full costs of the disciplinary proceedings.