Opinion ID: 3218283
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: Upon our review of the record, we conclude the most severe discipline is warranted in this case. Justice of the Peace Gremillion rendered a judgment without giving the defendants a meaningful opportunity to be heard, without requiring the plaintiff to present any evidence or sworn testimony, and without giving the defendants written notice of the judgment against them; displayed bias or prejudice throughout the proceedings in favor of the creditor and/or against the defendants’ efforts to defend the claim against them; notarized power of attorney forms when the purported affiants did not appear before him, swear out an oath, or sign the forms in his presence; and used a notary stamp that gave the incorrect impression he is an attorney. Respondent’s conduct thus constitutes a willful and persistent failure to perform his duty, willful misconduct relating to his official duty, and persistent, public conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute. Accordingly, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed that respondent, Justice of the Peace J. Roosevelt Gremillion, District Seven, Parish of Pointe Coupee, State of Louisiana, be removed from office and that his office be declared to be vacant. Furthermore, the respondent is ordered pursuant to La. Sup. Ct. Rule 23, § 26, to refrain from qualifying as a candidate for 28 judicial office for five years and until certified by this court as eligible to become a candidate for judicial office. Finally, pursuant to La. Sup. Ct. Rule 23, § 22, we cast the respondent with $1,547.43 for the costs incurred in the investigation and prosecution of this case. REMOVAL FROM JUDICIAL OFFICE ORDERED. 29 06/29/2016 SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA No. 2016-O-0054 IN RE: JUSTICE OF THE PEACE J. ROOSEVELT GREMILLION, DISTRICT SEVEN, PARISH OF POINTE COUPEE, STATE OF LOUISIANA JUDICIARY COMMISSION OF LOUISIANA Hughes, J., dissents in part. I respectfully dissent in part, and would impose a lesser sanction rather than the ultimate sanction of removal from office. 1