Bridget M. McCafferty
Bridget M. McCafferty was elected in 1999 to serve as a judge for Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in Cleveland, Ohio. Her term expired on January 10, 2011.[1]
2010 election
McCafferty won the Democratic primary. She was defeated by Michael Astrab in the general election.[2][3]
Judge4Yourself rating
McCafferty received 1.5 out of 4 when comparing the recommendations of local bar associations. She received one "Not Recommended" and three "Adequate" ratings.[4]
Corruption allegation
McCafferty was arrested on September 15, 2010 and was arraigned in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The judge has been accused of making a false statement to law enforcement and giving "special consideration" to cases that were in favor of Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo and County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora.[5] McCafferty was arrested the same day as several other public officials in Cuyahoga County, over two years after coordinated raids by agents of the FBI. McCafferty plead not guilty to the charges and was released on a $50,000 bond.[6]
Governor asks for resignation
Governor Ted Strickland asked that McCafferty and Steven J. Terry resign from office. McCaffery maintained her innocence and was defeated in the general election.[7]
McCafferty convicted
In March 2011, McCafferty was convicted of 10 counts of lying to FBI agents. After only four hours of deliberation, a federal jury found her guilty. When questioned, McCafferty told agents that she did not discuss cases pending with litigants or public officials. During her trial, the prosecution played tapes of her such conversations. Her lawyer contends that the former judge did not knowingly lie to FBI agents in 2008.[8]
Sentenced to prison
In early August 2011, McCafferty was sentenced to fourteen months in prison. Judge Sara Lioi deviated from federal sentencing guidelines, since McCafferty's clean record and reputation should have afforded her probation as a punishment. The former judge's legal team has assured the public that they will appeal the ruling.[9]
External links
- The Plain Dealer, "Former Cuyahoga County Judge Bridge McCafferty rejects plea deal," March 10, 2011
Footnotes
- ↑ Bridget M. McCafferty Biography
- ↑ Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, Unofficial 2010 General Election Results
- ↑ Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, May 4 Election Results
- ↑ Judge4Yourself, 2010 General Election Contested Ratings
- ↑ News Net 5, "Cuyahoga County Judges Bridget McCafferty, Steven Terry plead not guilty," September 15, 2010
- ↑ The Plain Dealer, "Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Steven Terry, other indicted today plead not guilty," September 15, 2010
- ↑ The Plain Dealer, "Gov. Ted Strickland calls on Judges Steven Terry and Bridget McCafferty to resign," September 16, 2010
- ↑ The Plain Dealer, "Former Cuyahoga County Judge Bridget McCafferty guilty of lying to FBI agents," March 25, 2011
- ↑ The Plain Dealer, "Bridget McCafferty sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying to FBI agents," August 2, 2011
Federal courts:
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio
State courts:
Ohio Supreme Court • Ohio District Courts of Appeal • Ohio Courts of Common Pleas • Ohio County Courts • Ohio Municipal Courts • Ohio Court of Claims
State resources:
Courts in Ohio • Ohio judicial elections • Judicial selection in Ohio
