Kentucky judge faces 15-day suspension

NEWPORT, Ky. (AP) — A northern Kentucky judge is facing a 15-day suspension from the bench for misconduct.

The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission says Campbell County District Judge Gregory T. Popovich violated five canons of the state Code of Judicial Conduct. The commission issued its findings Thursday.

The Kentucky Enquirer (http://cin.ci/1H5j8Fh ) reports the charges stem from a DUI case. During a 2014 status hearing in the case, the judge said it appeared the assistant prosecutor, Cameron J. Blau, was helping the defense with its case. The incident was recorded on video.

The statements in open court occurred when Popovich was locked in a tight re-election race with Blau.

An attorney for Popovich, Mark Arnzen, says the judge disagrees with the commission’s decision and is evaluating whether to appeal.

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Information from: The Kentucky Enquirer, http://www.nky.com

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