The New York Commission on Judicial Conduct has censured a Long Island judge for attending illegal poker games at his social club in 2008, including the night after he was re-elected when police showed up.
The commission says District Court Judge Paul Hensley in Suffolk County was well known at the Fraternal Order of Eagles clubhouse in Northport, improperly appearing to give the game his judicial approval. It also says he appeared to seek special treatment by telling officers who he was.
No players were accused of breaking the law but the game organizer was charged with gambling-related offenses for "raking the pot," or keeping a portion of the money.
Hensley's lawyer says it is an unusual occurrence in a sterling career and the judge has expressed remorse.
