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Sex Complaint Against Former Judge Tossed

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an ethics complaint against an Orlando judge because he has resigned. It included an allegation he had made unwanted sexual advances.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission asked for the dismissal in the case of former Circuit Judge James Hauser, who retired Oct. 1.

The panel in June accused Hauser of making advances toward a Barry University student in a class he co-taught last year. The complaint also accused him of erratic and abusive behavior on the bench.

Hauser's lawyer, Keith Mitnik, initially said he would fight the allegations. He had 'some kind of interaction' with the student, a 35-year-old woman, but no sexual intercourse, the lawyer said.

Last month, though, Hauser submitted his resignation to Gov. Charlie Crist, who accepted. Hauser decided to retire due to the strain of the investigation and an ongoing divorce, Mitnik said.

The Associated Press

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