In the words of the imitable Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation, “It’s never too early to learn that the government is a greedy piglet that suckles on a taxpayer’s teat until they have sore, chapped nipples.”
Clearly exemplifying the spirit of this truth is Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio, often dubbed “drunk judge” by local media and Rochesterians. Ms. Astacio, effective April 1, received a state taxpayer-funded pay raise of $11,000 — bringing her salary to a whopping $187,200 — after she worked only one of 214 days.
According to local station 13 Wham News, “Astacio did report for work on Tuesday, February 27 for one day – and has not been back since.” Before her one day on the job in 2018, Astacio had not reported to work since August 31 the previous year.
By letter, Chief Administrative Judge Craig Doran ordered the judge back to the bench on February 26; Doran confirmed Monday that Astacio is still continuing to blow off work.
Voicing her frustration with the “negative” and “racist” news coverage of her apparently appropriate raise on Facebook Live, Astacio said she did not report to work because she had a “medical excuse” and has reportedly provided Doran with a doctor’s note. Ms. Astacio whined about a potential “HIPAA violation” for such a disclosure.
In August of 2016, Astacio was convicted of DWI and later found guilty of violating her probation on at least two occasions. In June, from behind bars, Astacio was raking in her then-$175,500 annual taxpayer-funded salary.
According to Astacio, the raise was deserved and the media are “biased” in their reporting on her because they are “racist.”
“Why’s my name in the headlines?” she asked via Facebook. “Because your racist news stations … You’re mad because I’m a young minority getting paid.”
She also complained about the photo choice. “Also I hate that picture spectrum do better,” she wrote
And she wasn’t done yet. In three different Facebook Live videos, Astacio complained about her treatment.
“Do you know how many judges got a raise?” she said in one video, again defending her raise. “It’s not like I went and petitioned for a raise. No … all the judges got raises.”
“There’s just no rules that really apply when it comes to me,” she complained. (Yes, this seems to be the problem taxpayers have highlighted, as well, Ms. Astacio.)
“It is biased reporting to talk about me getting a raise when everyone got a raise,” Astacio whining some more, adding, “This isn’t news.”
WATCH:
True to form, Astacio followed it up with this little number:
She seems super remorseful.
The young judge is currently being investigated by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which could result in the stripping of her judicial duties, reports News 10 WHEC.
Astacio’s term doesn’t expire until 2024.
Don’t you just love government?