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Tacoma Court Commissioner Removed

Mark Adams who has served on the state Court of Appeals in Tacoma for fifteen years was demoted in December of 1990 by the Courts four judges after learning that a judicial misconduct complaint had been filed against Adams. The complaint alleged that Adams put "his hands in his pants pocket in the presence of female court employees which they perceived as inappropriately touching his genitals; asking female court personnel to arrange dates for him; discussing with female court personnel his out of office dating activities; keeping a personal diary which included references to his personal sexual experiences and other behavior."

In 1982 Adams was charged with a misdemeanor offense of criminal trespass after being caught looking through a neighbors window, that was disposed of through a deferred prosecution. After the 1982 incident Adams was allowed to remain on the Court because the judges did not believe it would happen again and did not affect any decisions he made a[s] commissioner.

There are only seven court commissioners in the state. They wear black robes, hear motions and make decisions subject to review by judges.

To settle the complaint Adams agreed never to serve in any judicial position in any state without first getting the judicial commissions permission. Adams is still working at the Court of Appeals, but now as a staff attorney.

Seattle Times, August 27, 1991

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