Court Recommends One-Year Suspension for Amorous Ex-Broward County Judge

The Sun Sentinel reports that Judge David Crow of the15th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida recommended Wednesday that former Broward Circuit Judge Ana Gardiner receive a one-year suspension from the practice of law for misconduct she engaged in during her judicial tenure.

Gardiner resigned in 2010 after revelations that she had carried on an emotional affair with Assistant State Attorney Howard Scheinberg while he was prosecuting a death penalty case she presided over. The twoexchanged 949 cell phone calls and 471 text messages.

"I find the misconduct at issue involves dishonesty and deceit. ... [Gardiner] failed to disclose the honest and true nature of her relationship with [Scheinberg]," Crow wrote in his recommendation, according to the Sentinel. The two had"commenced a significant personal and emotional relationship" Crow continued, yet "her testimony would leave any reasonable person with the misimpression that the relationship was inconsequential and merely professional."

Still, Crow did not recommenddisbarment.

"[Gardiner] has already lost her judicial position, suffered public humiliation, and shows genuine remorse," he wrote. "[Her actions] appear to be an aberration at the time of emotional and personal turmoil and should not end an otherwise distinguished career."

The Florida Supreme Court will have to approve the recommendation. The high court is also considering an appeal ofScheinberg's one-year suspension, which was recommended back in April.