Richard Obuch Removed

Elizabeth Municipal Court Judge Richard Obuch became visibly intoxicated within 45 minutes of arriving at a December 2023 holiday party for the Union County Municipal Court Judges' Association — consuming two Old Fashioneds, sangria, and five or more shots over three hours. While at the party, he inappropriately touched three female Rahway Municipal Court employees, made sexually suggestive remarks, asked about their marital status, and offered unsolicited relationship advice. During a photo booth session, he kissed the women without their consent — captured on camera. The state's Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct separately raised Obuch's social media activity, including photos of him embracing an adult film actress at a pornography industry convention. This was Obuch's second formal complaint. Obuch submitted a sworn affidavit admitting "the material facts alleged in the complaint are true" and that "the alleged unethical conduct cannot be defended." The New Jersey Supreme Court removed him from the bench and permanently barred him from holding judicial office.