State panel moves to censure an Erie County judge

The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that Mark J. Grisanti, a Judge of the Court of Claims and an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, Erie County, should be censured for engaging in a street brawl with his neighbors, and for participating in cases involving an attorney with whom he had an ongoing financial relationship. The Commission’s Administrator had recommended that Judge Grisanti be removed from office. Six Commission members voted for censure, and four voted  to remove the judge.

Background: On June 22, 2020, Judge Grisanti instigated a verbal and physical altercation with a neighbor and his wife over a parking spot. Upon seeing the neighbors’ car parked near his own driveway, Judge Grisanti called 911. Before Buffalo police officers arrived, both Judge Grisanti and his wife confronted and yelled profanities at the neighbors, who responded in kind. During their confrontation, the parties came into rough physical contact with one another.

Upon arriving at the scene, two police officers captured the ensuing events on body cameras. After one officer grabbed Mrs. Grisanti and brought her to the ground attempting to handcuff her, Judge Grisanti shoved him and yelled, “you arrest my f****** wife…you’re going to be sorry,” and “my son…and my daughter are…both police officers.” Judge Grisanti himself was handcuffed and placed in a police car at the scene and continued to drop the names of high-ranking police officials and the Mayor of Buffalo.

The complete release is HERE.