Judge in ethics case is back on the bench

After a judicial ethics panel recommends a reprimand, Pinellas-Pasco Judge Charles Cope returns to the family law division.

By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 13, 2002

CLEARWATER -- Pinellas-Pasco Judge Charles Cope returned to the bench Monday after a year on paid leave.

The judge, arrested in California in April 2001 after two women accused him of trying to enter their locked hotel room, returned to the family law division with little fanfare.

As he began work, Cope said, "I would like to thank all my supporters. I am pleased to return to the bench and will continue to serve with excellence."

Cope's return came after a hearing panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission last week recommended to the Florida Supreme Court that Cope receive a public reprimand for behavior in Carmel, Calif., where he was attending a judicial conference.

The panel found Cope guilty of public intoxication and inappropriate sexual conduct. It had earlier dismissed more serious charges involving allegations that the judge stole a hotel key from the women and tried to enter their hotel room as they slept.

Cope, who earns about $130,000 annually, faces a criminal trial in California next month on five misdemeanors, including prowling, theft and offensive touching. Cope acknowledges being publicly intoxicated in Carmel, where he was attending a judicial conference.

The Florida Supreme Court has the final word on what discipline, if any, to impose on Cope and is not bound by the panel recommendation of a public reprimand. It is expected to take several months for the Supreme Court to make a decision.

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