Broward Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins Faces Suspension After Grabbing Employee by the Neck
The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC) has recommended immediate suspension of Broward County Circuit Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins after a video captured her placing her hands around a court employee's neck.
Hawkins, a former prosecutor, was appointed to the family division by Gov. Rick Scott in November. However, since early June, the FJQC has been investigating a complaint filed against her. While the probe continued, Hawkins was reassigned to the foreclosure division. The FJQC concluded its investigation July 18.
"At the July 12, 2019 hearing, the Investigative Panel of the Commission took testimony from the judge, reviewed affidavits and other evidence, and determined that probable cause exists to believe that Judge Hawkins violated the Code of Judicial Conduct," the recommendation says. "The panel also determined that the commission should recommend Judge Hawkins be immediately suspended without compensation, pending final disposition of this matter."
According to the FJQC recommendation, which was reported by Broward Beat and JAABlog, on June 11, Judge Hawkins was seen on a security camera grabbing a court employee by the neck after she was told her afternoon docket was not ready.
Read more: https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/broward-judge-vegina-gina-hawkins-faces-suspension-after-grabbing-employee-by-the-neck-10306460