Alec H. Friedmann Removed

North Elba Town Justice Alec H. Friedmann resigned after the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct found he retaliated against Lake Placid attorney Brian Barrett — years after Barrett had filed an ethics complaint against him in 2019. The Commission found Friedmann failed to recuse himself despite an obvious conflict of interest, engaged in unauthorized ex parte communications, and dismissed charges without notifying or obtaining consent from prosecutors. The Commission specifically characterized Friedmann's conduct toward Barrett as showing "bias and hostile demeanor" carried out "in retaliation" for the years-old complaint. Friedmann submitted his resignation letter on December 26, 2023, leaving office effective December 31, and agreed as part of the resolution to never again seek or hold judicial office.