Opinion ID: 2500523
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Findings of FactProcedure

Text: 1. A verified complaint was received by the Commission regarding Judge Lopez (Exhibit A), which was referred to an Investigatory Panel of the Commission and a copy was provided to Judge Lopez. 2. The Investigatory Panel determined, based upon its initial inquiry, to proceed with a preliminary investigation pursuant to Rules 6(f), 13 and other applicable provisions of the Rules Governing the Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics, that there was reasonable cause to believe Judge Lopez engaged in judicial misconduct. 3. Judge Lopez received notice of the investigation, in accordance with Rule 13(d), by letter dated September 2, 2011. 4. The Investigatory Panel referred the matter to an Adjudicatory Panel of the Commission for the institution of formal proceedings in accordance with Rule 13(b)(5). 5. Judge Lopez was served with a Notice of Commencement of Formal Proceedings pursuant to Rule 17 on November 30, 2011 (Exhibit B), and he filed an Answer on December 15, 2011 (Exhibit C). 6. Judge Lopez does not dispute the following statement of facts and law, and agrees to resolution on the terms recommended by the Commission. Judge Lopez's Affidavit of Consent, pursuant to Rule 23(c) is submitted herewith.