Judge Accused Of Racism, Sexism In Courtroom

A state judge has been accused of referring to American Indians as "war whoops," Mexican-Americans as "beaners" and Middle Eastern Arabs as "sand niggers."

While on the bench, he also allegedly referred to Karen Unger, a Port Angeles attorney, as a "Jewish mother" and told her "to get her tail in the courtroom."

Those are among the offensive and sexist remarks allegedly made by Judge Gary W. Velie of Clallam County Superior Court to attorneys and court personnel, according to a complaint filed by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Velie, first elected to the bench in 1984, was unavailable for comment yesterday. He continues to serve as a judge, according to court administrator Patrice Ray.

The complaint was served on Velie on Wednesday and made public yesterday. It alleges Velie has engaged in a pattern of offensive conduct, in violation of the code of judicial conduct, during the past few years.

He purportedly referred to Unger and a former deputy prosecutor, Deborah Conklin-Taylor, as "brown eyes" and "honey," according to the complaint.

Velie also told a local attorney, Lane Wolfley, that he had decided a case in favor of one side because the prevailing party, a woman, "looked great," the complaint states.

He told a deputy clerk, Tammy Wooldridge, "to `take a Midol' when she complained about working late one night," according to the seven-page statement of charges.

Velie also made a joke concerning a sign captioned: "No dogs or niggers s----ing on the lawn," according to a portion of the complaint citing racist comments.

Velie also is accused of making "inappropriate and disparaging remarks to attorneys, court personnel and others involved in the justice system."

In a meeting with another judge, counselors and medical personnel, among others, Velie said "it would be desirable to have a stun gun to use in dealing with patients in involuntary treatment," according to the complaint.

In addition, in open court, he allegedly:

-- Told Child Protective Services caseworker Jeanine Granson that she was "stupid and incompetent."

-- Told a defendant, "I know your parents so I'll let you off."

-- Stated that various attorneys are incompetent to practice law.

-- Referred to a criminal defendant's lawyer as a "youngster."

-- Told attorneys to "shut up and sit down."

-- Said, "Now, after listening to all this crap, now I have to go and read it" after hearing oral arguments on a motion.

The complaint also alleges that on several occasions, Velie had improper "ex parte," or private contacts, with parties in pending cases, including attorneys and a foster mother in dependency cases and a lawyer in a divorce case.

In two instances, Velie indicated he had "pre-decided" cases, according to the complaint.

Velie has 21 days to file a written answer. A fact-finding hearing will be scheduled unless Velie and the commission agree to a stipulated settlement.

The complaint alleges violation of canons requiring judges to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary; to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety; and to perform the duties of their office impartially and diligently.

If the commission finds a violation of judicial ethics, it could impose punishment as light as admonishment or as severe as recommending to the state Supreme Court that Velie be removed from office.

A notice of appearance was filed on Velie's behalf by the Clallam County prosecutor's office.

Late yesterday, however, Prosecutor David Bruneau said it's unlikely his office will represent Velie because Bruneau expects to appear as a witness at the fact-finding hearing.

In addition to the complaint against Velie, the commission this week also filed charges against a former pro tem Clallam County District Court judge, Brian Coughenour.

Coughenour is accused of violating canons barring impropriety or the appearance of impropriety because he was cited for driving while intoxicated and found in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Coughenour was banned from further pro tem work in Clallam County District Court last November after an order of deferred prosecution, records show.