YORK – Town Judge Walter Purtell has resigned while the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct continues an investigation. York Town Clerk Christine Harris confirmed that the Town received a letter of resignation stating only that Purtell will resign effective March 8. This resignation date means that Purtell is scheduled to take the bench one last time on Monday, Feb. 27. Purtell has retained an attorney to defend himself in the … [Read more...]
Albany Investigates York Judge Purtell’s Conduct on the Bench
YORK – The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating Town Judge Walter Purtell. Purtell has retained an attorney to defend himself in the matter. Such investigations are thorough and long lasting, which indicates that the allegations are from incidents other than the most recent highly publicized decision to close the courtroom to all members of the media for the arraignment of Danielle Allen on felony manslaughter … [Read more...]
Judge Purtell Scoffed at First Amendment During Homicide Arraignment
YORK – Justice Walter Purtell joked on the record that 'what the Town of York needs right now is a good lawsuit' while arraigning Danielle Allen on a felony manslaughter charge. Court transcripts obtained by our news partners News10NBC show that court clerk Norma Geary repeatedly asked the Judge to allow the media access to the arraignment to prevent a law suit: Clerk: You better open the door because they're going to sue us because we've … [Read more...]
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK: Judge Purtell Should Resign
York Town Judge Walter Purtell should resign immediately. Purtell made headlines after banning media from the courtroom during the arraignment of Danielle Allen for the homicide of her then boyfriend Marcus Postell. Rochester media outlets were rightfully livid over violation of first amendment rights. For myself, the greater issue is Purtell being able to continue on as Judge. Marcus Postell died from stab wounds inflicted upon him by … [Read more...]