A state judicial commission is investigating a judge who shocked a shackled inmate with a stun belt for interrupting her in court, officials said Wednesday.
The Commission on Judicial Performance has not decided whether to charge Long Beach Municipal Court Judge Joan Comparet-Cassani for misconduct.
The Justice Department also is investigating whether she violated the civil rights of Ronnie Hawkins, who is suing the judge.
Hawkins, a petty thief who faced a sentence of 25 years to life under California’s three-strikes law, was acting as his own lawyer during a sentencing hearing June 30.
According to a court transcript quoted by Hawkins’ lawyer, the judge warned Hawkins not to interrupt, then ordered the belt to be activated after he continued to do so. The belt sent 50,000 volts through his body for eight seconds, Hawkins’ lawyer said.
