LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- Judge Olu Stevens pleaded guilty to all six misconduct charges on Aug. 8.
He will be suspended for 90 days without pay.
Olu is accused of making critical statements about Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine on the issue of race in juries.
Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Wine had asked the Supreme Court for a legal opinion on whether Stevens had the authority to dismiss a randomly selected jury panel because it lacked minorities. Stevens then launched his critical remarks.
Stevens was on paid suspension before Monday’s hearing.
"I just want to thank everyone who has come out to support me today. I want to say that I'm delighted to have this over with. Moving forward I'm looking forward to getting back to the bench," Stevens said.
Experts say Stevens' cause was worthy: He shined a light on a racial imbalance that has dogged the criminal justice system for generations. But his personal attack on a prosecutor for requesting an appellate opinion could cross an ethical line and threaten to overshadow the issue he attempted to highlight.
The following is a statement from Wine:
"This morning Circuit Judge Olu Stevens appeared before the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission and entered into a settlement agreement resolving the charges which had been brought against him by counsel for the Commission.
Included in this agreement was a public statement wherein, among other things, Judge Stevens apologized for statements he had made which implied that I was a racist.
I accept Judge Stevens’ apology. I have had no personal animosity towards Judge Stevens and I have none now. I believe my energies and focus are better spent working for justice and fairness with our criminal justice partners and protecting victims of crime.
During my three decades of service in our justice system I have worked to ensure diversity in our jury system and I can assure the citizens of Jefferson County that our jury selection process is one of the most inclusive in the United States.
I and the entire staff of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney will continue to work for the fair administration of justice for all persons in Jefferson County, including diversity in our jury system."
