JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey III, who was facing a June judicial hearing before the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission and an impeachment investigation by the Florida House of Representatives on accusations of making racist and sexist remarks in the office, has submitted his resignation to Gov. Rick Scott.
A five-day evidentiary hearing on formal charges that were filed last summer by the commission against Hulsey was first slated for February, but was pushed back twice. Since the complaint, Hulsey was moved from the criminal court bench, but stayed on the job and was re-elected to a six-year term in August by a margin so narrow, a recount was conducted.
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Because the next circuit elections aren't for another two years, it's likely the governor will appoint a replacement for Hulsey, according to Duval County Property Appraiser Jerry Holland, the former Supervisor of Elections in the county.
Fourth Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Mark Mahon also received a copy of Hulsey’s resignation letter. He said he was aware of the Florida House’s independent investigation, and his only comment was that he had “mixed emotions” about Hulsey's resignation.
In his resignation letter, Hulsey did not make reference to the accusations against him, saying:
Since my re-election in 2016, my assigned duties have been to assist other Fourth Circuit judges. Accordingly, the immediate effect of my resignation will not prevent the discharge of judicial work for the citizens. ... It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the State of Florida."
DOCUMENT: Mark Hulsey's letter to Gov. Rick Scott
In November, the commission filed an amended notice of formal charges against Hulsey, who was removed from the criminal bench after he was accused of making racist and sexist remarks, acting in a demeaning and condescending manner toward his staff and being unnecessarily critical of lawyers in the state attorney’s office.
The amended filing by the commission informs Hulsey that because of “indifference to your judicial duties,” staff attorneys are wasting their time on “routine and mundane judicial acts,” thus limiting their availability to other judges.
The commission said Hulsey forces staff to take care of his personal affairs, and to take work home.
The complaint also accuses Hulsey of trying to coerce one of his staffers into telling the commission that he would never make derogatory remarks about African-Americans or women.
Hulsey has denied the allegations and filed an amended response, affirming his denial of the allegations.
In the response, his lawyer said, “Hulsey can say with absolute confidence and conviction that he is not a racist, he rejects and does not hold the ideas expressed ... and he denies making the statement alleged.”
Hulsey repeatedly apologized in his amended response for misunderstandings over his actions and comments, and admitted he made mistakes and insisted he is not indifferent to his judicial duties.
News 6 partner News4Jax contacted the governor's office for comment, but have not heard back yet.