A Commission on Judicial Disabilities investigation found that a Baltimore City district court judge engaged in nonconsensual contact with a female lawyer.
The commission found Judge Kevin M. Wilson allegedly touched a female attorney’s leg “in an up and down movement” at a Bar Association of Baltimore City continuing legal education event in May 2023, with two other attorneys reporting they saw Wilson’s behavior and one of them told him to stop.
According to a document outlining the commission’s findings, witnesses reported that Wilson moved his hand away, but the female attorney reported she subsequently felt Wilson “place his hand back on her leg and move it under her skirt” and touch her buttocks. Another attorney at the table witnessed Wilson’s behavior, and the female attorney then stepped away from the table and left the venue.
“Judge Wilson engaged in behavior unbecoming of an officer of the court and in direct contravention of a judge’s responsibility to promote confidence in the Judiciary and to maintain the dignity of judicial office,” the commission wrote. “Judge Wilson’s behavior provides evidence that he engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice in Maryland’s Courts.”
Wilson contends he “perceived” his encounter with the female attorney “as reciprocal flirtation” and denies touching her buttocks. Wilson stated he touched the attorney’s ankle, calf and lower hamstring, and “formed a genuine belief that their interactions were mutual and welcomed.”
“Judge Wilson realizes and acknowledges that his honest belief was incorrect, and his touching made her feel uncomfortable, which he sincerely apologizes for and deeply regrets,” Wilson wrote in response.
The commission will conduct a public hearing on the charges. If, after the hearing, the commission finds the judge has committed sanctionable conduct, it can refer the case to the Maryland Supreme Court for possible disciplinary action.
Wilson has served on the bench since September 2013 when then-Gov. Martin O’Malley appointed him as associate judge for the Baltimore City District Court.
Wilson began practicing law in 2000 as an assistant state’s attorney in Baltimore.
Source:
Baltimore judge made sexual advances on lawyer, commission finds
cjd2023-042response
