Gary Carson Removed

Gary L. Carson, a Pittsfield Town Court justice in Otsego County, New York since 2023, resigned on August 14, 2024, while under investigation by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The Commission's inquiry covered a wide range of alleged misconduct: being belligerent at public town meetings, failing to promptly remit court funds, and failing to transfer his own son's traffic ticket to a different court to avoid a conflict of interest. The Commission also cited unauthorized political activity — Carson allegedly circulated nominating petitions for a town council candidate — along with unauthorized ex parte communications in pending cases and mishandling of local dog-control ordinance violations. Reporting also indicated Carson appeared to be dealing with health issues that affected his duties, though specifics weren't disclosed. As part of his resignation, Carson agreed to never seek or accept a judicial position again.