Judiciary
Feds raid home of judge who was injured by a train 13 months ago
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A New York judge’s cases have been temporarily reassigned after the FBI raided his home last week.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies raided the home of Judge John L. Michalski of the New York State Supreme Court on Thursday, report the Buffalo News, WKBW and WGRZ. Michalski has not been arrested or charged in connection with the search warrant.
No reason was given for the raid, but law enforcement agencies have been investigating Michalski’s relationship with the owner of a strip club, Peter Gerace Jr., according to the articles. Gerace has been arrested on federal charges of drug trafficking, sex trafficking and bribing a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. Gerace has denied wrongdoing.
Michalski had lain down on railroad tracks in February 2021, the same day of Gerace’s arrest. A slow-moving freight train moved over Michalski, breaking his kneecap, according to an eyewitness who spoke with WIVB and a WKBW article. Michalski returned to work this past January.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating Michalski based on a complaint that he received $5,000 to officiate at Gerace’s wedding, according to the Buffalo News. State law says New York judges can’t accept more than $100 to perform a wedding. Gerace’s ex-wife reportedly made the claim on social media.
The case reassignments were not a disciplinary action and were not a suspension, according to one of Michalski’s lawyers, Terrence M. Connors, who spoke with the Buffalo News.
