Ex-Judge Faces Hearing on Alleged Misconduct

A former Superior Court judge faces disciplinary action for allegedly having sexual relations with a defendant after telling her she would have to “pay the price” unless she wanted her ex-husband in prison for life.

In a formal notice, the Commission on Judicial Performance informed retired Judge George W. Trammell III that he is accused of abusing his judicial office, having an improper personal relationship with a defendant, Pifen Lo, and allowing that personal relationship to influence his judicial conduct and judgment.

The state judicial disciplinary agency also alleged that the judge failed to remove himself from the case or reveal his conduct to parties seeking to disqualify him.

Trammell, in a letter to the commission, declined to respond to the allegations and invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination, saying he was following his lawyer’s advice. He could not be reached for comment.

A hearing on the matter will now be held before a specially appointed panel. The commission has the power to bar Trammell from accepting future assignments as a temporary judge but cannot take away his pension.

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti’s office investigated the allegations against Trammell but decided last month not to file criminal charges.

Trammell, 61, a judge since 1971, resigned abruptly in January 1997, a day after sheriff’s deputies served search warrants at his home.