The Florida Supreme Court has issued an order for Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford to retire. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission made the recommendation in August.
Second Judicial Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford was under investigation by the JQC for alleged improprieties in Wakulla County.
In its filing, the JQC says Fulford suffers from a disability that prevents her from performing her job duties, and that the disability is permanent. It doesn’t say what that disability is, and other documents addressing the issue are redacted. Fulford has been on medical leave for nearly six months.
The Qualifications Commission charged she publicly supported a local sheriff candidate, and used her position to influence attorneys. The commission also said she used her position to help the son of her significant other who faced battery charges by contacting the prosecutor, frequently visiting him while he was in jail and attending a number of meetings relating to his case.
While serving in Tallahassee Fulford oversaw dozens of high-profile cases rendering decisions on prison privatization and mandatory pension contributions. She has agreed to step down.
The Florida Supreme Court ordered Fulford to be involuntarily retired Wednesday. All six justices agreed with the Commission's report that Fulford's physical disability affected her ability to perform. The disability remains unnamed.
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