Commission hears arguments in Tulare County judge case

The Commission on Judicial Performance heard oral arguments Wednesday in San Francisco about the case against Tulare County Superior Court Judge Valeriano Saucedo.

The commission heard from both sides, but took no action and will deliberate before issuing a decision. Saucedo could be removed from office.

In July, the three-judge panel that heard evidence against Saucedo said he violated judicial ethics by ensnaring his court clerk into a closer personal relationship.

The panel said there is “clear and convincing evidence” that he wrote and sent an unsigned letter to himself accusing her of an affair with a bailiff. He did it to get closer to the clerk, then put undue pressure on her to maintain a “special friend” relationship, the panel said.

He also sent her hundreds of text massages and showered her with $26,000 in gifts, including a car and trip to Disneyland for her family, the panel said.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Commission hears arguments in Tulare County judge case."