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A New York judge has been removed from the bench after the state’s highest court found that his repeated use of the N-word and racially insensitive remarks undermined public confidence in the judicial system.
Canandaigua Town Court Justice Walter W. Jones, who served as a judge since 1999, challenged the recommendation for his removal. However, the state’s highest court ultimately upheld the decision, ending his judicial career.
The case has renewed conversations about racial discrimination, judicial accountability and the standards expected of those serving in positions of public trust.
Judge Used Racial Slur While Recounting Family Story
According to the New York Court of Appeals decision, one incident occurred on May 10, 2024, outside the Ontario County Jail.
Jones was speaking with a court staff member and an assistant public defender when he repeatedly used the racial slur while recounting a story about his father and his grandfather’s farm in Texas.
The judge acknowledged using the word but argued that he was quoting his father while telling the story. He maintained that the language provided context and authenticity to his account.
However, the judicial conduct referee questioned his explanation and found problems with his testimony. The referee also determined that his repeated use of the slur violated judicial conduct standards.
The assistant public defender who witnessed the conversation reportedly testified that she was concerned and surprised by his language.
Judge Accused Black Defendant of Playing the Race Card
The investigation also examined a second incident that happened five days later, on May 15, 2024.
During a court proceeding, Jones reportedly told a Black female defendant that she had “played the race card” after she raised concerns about racial bias in the county.
The defendant had expressed concern about her bail and said she believed her race influenced how she was being treated.
Jones also suggested that the woman might have attacked her attorney if she had not been handcuffed.
The judicial conduct proceedings found that his comments were undignified and created an appearance of racial bias.
New York’s Highest Court Upholds Judge’s Removal
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct investigated the incidents and recommended Jones’ removal from office in March 2026.
Jones challenged the commission’s findings and asked the state’s highest court to review the recommendation.
He had previously received two letters of caution from the commission. One, issued in August 2021, involved alleged improper communications with a complaining witness and concerns about COVID-19 safety protocols.
Another letter, issued in March 2024, addressed administrative failures involving unexplained surpluses of court fines and fees.
The commission considered the previous warnings when determining the appropriate disciplinary action.
On April 16, 2026, the Court of Appeals suspended Jones with pay while reviewing the removal recommendation.
However, on October 27, 2026, the court accepted the commission’s determination and ordered his immediate removal from the Canandaigua Town Court.
The judges concluded that his misconduct warranted removal and that his conduct undermined public confidence in the judiciary.
Judge’s Removal Sparks Conversation About Judicial Accountability
Jones had served as a Canandaigua Town Court justice since 1999. His current term was originally scheduled to end on December 31, 2027.
His removal highlights the standards expected of judges, particularly their responsibility to maintain impartiality and public confidence in the justice system.
The New York Court of Appeals’ decision makes clear that judges are accountable for conduct both inside and outside the courtroom.
Jones’ attorney, Levi P. Stoep, said his client had no comment while they explored options for federal relief.
The decision marks the end of Jones’ tenure on the bench following more than two decades of service.
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