Matter of Wharton

This is a judicial disciplinary proceeding instituted by the Judicial Investigation Commission against Ira Wharton, a Magistrate for Wood County. 1 The commission charged Magistrate Wharton with violating Canon 3 A(l), (2), (3) and (4) of the Judicial Code of Ethics. 2 Following a hearing, the Judicial Hearing Board recommended that the complaint be dismissed.

In August of 1980, the complainant, Jean Clevenger went to the office of Magistrate Wharton seeking a warrant for the arrest of her husband on a charge of non-support. According to Ms. Clevenger’s complaint, the magistrate informed her…