John E. Scipione Censured Removed

Arapahoe County Judge John E. Scipione failed to disclose an intimate relationship with a member of his own court staff, inappropriately discussed his sexual preferences and habits in the workplace, and attempted to improperly influence the outcome of a court case in a different jurisdiction, according to findings from the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline. The investigation began after two fellow judges and a magistrate in his own district reported that Scipione had made inappropriate comments to his intern. The conduct resulted in two separate sexual harassment settlements, paid out to affected staff, totaling $130,000. Scipione agreed to resign immediately and accept a formal censure, which the Colorado Supreme Court finalized. In its written decision, the court wrote that Scipione's "transgressions represented a pattern of misconduct reflecting that Scipione repeatedly abused his power for self-gain."