Matter of Gravely

In this judicial discipline matter, respondent, a magistrate in Pickens County, was charged with having sexual relations with a pro se litigant. The three-member hearing panel unanimously found respondent guilty of misconduct and recommended a public reprimand. The Board of Commissioners on Judicial Standards unanimously adopted the panel’s findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommended sanction. We agree respondent has committed judicial misconduct and that a public reprimand is appropriate sanction.

FACTS

On the morning of November 24, 1993, complainant appeared pro se before…