Maine Probate Judge Faces Disciplinary Action for Financial Failures
William Blaisdell, a probate judge in Hancock County, faced tough questions from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in Portland regarding his failure to pay child support and file taxes. Blaisdell, 54, was found in contempt of court in Waldo County for being behind on over $33,000 in child support payments and not filing tax returns for three years. The court’s Committee on Judicial Conduct recommended his removal from office due to these failures. Blaisdell, however, expressed a desire to keep his judgeship and cited struggles with physical and mental health as reasons for his noncompliance.
The judicial committee’s investigation began after a district judge reported Blaisdell to the committee and the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar. The high court is now considering potential disciplinary actions, with Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill questioning the effectiveness of requesting Blaisdell’s removal if legislative authorities do not agree. The judiciary’s integrity and public trust were highlighted as key concerns, leading to the recommendation of removal as the strongest response to Blaisdell’s misconduct.
Blaisdell suggested alternative forms of discipline, such as censure, but the justices seemed unconvinced. District Judge Eric Walker, who oversaw Blaisdell’s child custody and support case, highlighted Blaisdell’s high income and failure to fulfill financial obligations. Despite Blaisdell’s claims of intention to pay his child support, the court raised questions about his delayed payments. The Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar is also considering discipline against Blaisdell. The justices have yet to make a final decision on the matter.
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