State Investigates Judge Richard Sinnott's Actions In Straight Pride Parade Case

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BOSTON (AP) — The board that oversees judicial conduct in Massachusetts is investigating the Boston judge who came under scrutiny for the way he handled arraignments for counterprotesters at a "straight pride" parade.

The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct announced the probe of Boston Municipal Court Judge Richard Sinnott on Tuesday.

Prosecutors sought to dismiss a disorderly conduct charge against one counterprotester at the parade over Labor Day weekend, but Sinnott decided to move forward with the case. A single justice of the state's highest court later ruled he had "no authority" to do so.

Sinnott also ordered one defense attorney taken into custody on a contempt charge when she said he was interfering with prosecutors' discretion.

Judge Richard Sinnott (WBZ-TV)

Sinnott, through a court spokeswoman, said "I look forward to a rapid resolution of this matter."