Ellen Cantwell Warner as an adault
/ Courtesy Vera House
SYRACUSE -- Former Family Court judge Bryan R. Hedges released a statement denying accusations that he sexually abused his 5-year-old niece 40 years ago.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that the child sex incident that predated his 27 years as an Onondaga County Family Court judge constitutes misconduct that disqualifies Bryan R. Hedges from ever again being a judge.
Hedges issued the following written statement: "I am devastated by the Commission's actions. The allegations are untrue. The administrative process is deficient in terms of being a fair fact finding procedure. I hope the Court of Appeals will reverse."
Hedges' lawyer, Robert Julian, issued the following written statement: "We are appealing to the New York State Court of Appeals the determination of the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Therefore, this case is pending and I do not believe it appropriate to make further comment pending the argument and a determination by the Court of Appeals."
The victim is Ellen Cantwell Warner. In the Commission report she talks about living with the image of the sexual act for the last forty years. She claims it has hindered her sex life with her husband. She said she cannot get rid of the memories and they continue to traumatize her. She will discuss her abuse at a Thursday morning news conference.
