New Mexico Judge Resigns Amid Allegations of Sextexting and Misconduct

It appears some things do not stay in Vegas. State District Judge Eugenio S. Mathis, 58, of Las Vegas, N.M., has resigned from the bench after being accused of sextexting his wife from the bench as well as other alleged misconduct. He has also agreed never to hold a judicial position again.

Mathis was also accused of using disparaging or insulting language with parties, other judges, personnel, and even his wife. He denied all of the allegations, including that he engaged in “communications of a sexual nature” with his wife during the workday, “including intimations that he had or would be having sexual relations with her during the workday and/or on court premises.”

Many of the text messages, however, seem pretty mild and routine like “No lie! I’m on the verge of going postal.” Another says “One more hearing. Are you ready to go home?? “i’VE BEEN READY SINCE 8:05″

The court says that such conversation cannot take place over the state court’s instant messaging service in violation of a computer and Internet use policy. Yet, it is extremely common for most people to use their work computers and email systems for personal notes and chats. I am not sure that such a violation would warrant removal as opposed to a reprimand.

However, he is also accused of not cooperating with other judges and making improper comments about cases. Perhaps the most serious is that he made comments showing bias or prejudice to jurors. Yet, Mathis was given high marks from the bar during his service of the bench.