State judicial watchdog announces two resignations

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The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has announced the resignations of two judges.

In unrelated cases, Jerusalem Town Justice Todd C. Whitford, in Yates County, and Watertown City Court Judge Eric T. Swartz, in Jefferson County, each signed stipulations agreeing to leave office and never to seek or accept judicial office in any time in the future.

Both men also waived confidentiality to the limited extent that the stipulations and the Commission’s orders accepting them would be public.

Whitford was charged with misconduct for engaging in biased and discourteous behavior, and for demonstrating a significant misunderstanding of legal procedures. He resigned effective Dec. 10.

Whitford, who is not an attorney, has been a justice in Jerusalem since 2018.  His current term would have expired on Dec. 31, 2026.

Swartz, a part-time judge in Watertown, will resign effective Dec. 31, 2025. The Commission was investigating a complaint alleging that he was suffering from a condition that interfered with his ability to perform his judicial duties.

Swartz has been a judge in Watertown City Court since 2021. He previously served as a justice of the Watertown Town Court from 2020 to 2021.  His current term would have expired on Dec. 31, 2026.