RIFLE, Colo.—State court employees say a Garfield County judge who is on paid leave made inappropriate comments in court and treated them in an intimidating manner, but others are defending him.
Four court employees commented Wednesday on Judge Jason Jovanovich to the 9th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, which recommends to voters whether to retain judges.
Kathy Schouten is county clerk of court in Rifle. She said she has heard Jovanovich say in hearings, “I’m more powerful than the president.” But attorney Bill Schubert said most of his clients feel Jovanovich gives them “a fair shake.”
Court officials haven’t said why Jovanovich went on paid leave May 4. The performance commission’s work is independent of the leave.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
