A Putnam County judge appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis last year is facing allegations of abusing her judicial authority. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission has filed formal charges against Judge Anna Maria Gennusa, citing a pattern of improper use of contempt power.
In one instance, Gennusa allegedly made inappropriate comments and acted illegally when she jailed a defendant and handcuffed the alleged victim for three hours before ultimately releasing the victim.
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Another charge involves holding a mother in contempt and sentencing her to 10 days in jail after an argument during a truancy hearing.
The mother explained that her children’s absences were due to the psychological trauma of their father murdering their grandfather, a tragedy one of the children witnessed. Gennusa reportedly dismissed these concerns, stating that they weren’t a valid reason for missing school.
The commission highlighted the seriousness of using direct criminal contempt and criticized Gennusa’s “unwarranted and improper” use of this power. Despite acknowledging procedural errors, Gennusa attempted to excuse her actions by citing her lack of attendance at Florida Judicial College.
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The commission’s notice, filed with the Florida Supreme Court, raises concerns about Gennusa’s fitness to serve as a judge, citing her “casual and illegal use of contempt power.” Gennusa, who practiced law for 29 years before her appointment in April 2023, now faces potential disciplinary action.
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