Judge Enrique Monguia of the Los Angeles County Superior Court has been publicly admonished by the California Commission on Judicial Performance for making threatening remarks in his courtroom. The commission’s report, dated August 28, found that Judge Monguia threatened gun violence against attorneys and a retired judge, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. He did not contest the commission’s findings.
Judge Monguia, appointed in 2014 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, made several inappropriate comments while presiding over cases at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. In one instance in September 2023, he told two attorneys that if they did not lower their voices, he would authorize his bailiff to use physical force, but not for the bailiff to shoot them, rather so he could shoot them himself. A month later, he told retired Judge Stephen Marcus that he was lucky the bailiff was not present, or he would have ordered her to shoot him.
The commission found that Monguia’s remarks constituted an abuse of authority and were undignified, even if made in jest. His comments extended beyond threats of violence, including remarks that suggested bias and prejudgment. In one case, he told a prosecutor that a pregnant woman with prior drug charges would have a “meth baby” supported by his taxes.
Judge Monguia acknowledged his misconduct and expressed regret. He stated he had taken steps to address unconscious bias and other issues contributing to his behavior. The Los Angeles County Superior Court emphasized the importance of judicial officers upholding integrity and impartiality.
Recent Comments