MI: JUDGE ADMITS SMOKING POT AT STONES CONCERT

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- A judge went on indefinite voluntary leave after
admitting smoking marijuana at a Rolling Stones concert.

A woman told court officials she saw District Judge Thomas Gilbert smoke a
joint that was being passed along a row of people at an Oct. 12 concert in
Detroit.

Gilbert admitted to the allegations during a meeting this week with Chief
District Judge Michael Haley and District Judge Thomas J. Phillips. He left
the bench on Wednesday.

"He's full of shame and regret and it's just a very sad day for the district
court," Haley said.

"I broke the law by twice puffing on a marijuana cigarette during a rock
concert," Gilbert said in a statement.

"I deeply regret this error in judgment."

Gilbert will be on voluntary leave until at least Nov. 15. Once he returns,
he will be limited to civil cases indefinitely, Haley said.

After an investigation by a state judicial commission, Gilbert could be
censured, suspended or removed from the bench.

Pubdate: Saturday, November 9, 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Website: http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
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