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Justice Garson was suspended in 2003.
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Last week, jurors for the trial were shown a video tape of Justice Garson and attorney Paul Siminovsky going over a case in Garson's chambers. On the tape, Garson is telling Siminovsky how to approach the case, something that is not allowed. Judicial rules state that a judge can only discuss a trial with one party if the other party's lawyer has said this is acceptable, which did not happen in this case.
On the tape, Garson went through the case with Siminovsky, offering specific advice on what to say and what to ask to get certain information from the witnesses. The tape was recorded in 2003. Since then, Siminovsky has admitted to paying $10,000 to ensure that Justice Garson would be the one to hear the case. Siminovsky went on to participate in a set-up by the authorities to convict Garson. As part of the set-up, another video tape was made during which Garson took a box of cigars and $1,000 in cash from Siminovsky.
According to The New York Times, "Justice Garson tried to return the cash, asking Mr. Siminovsky to contribute to the judicial campaign of the judge's wife instead. Mr. Siminovsky said he would make the contribution, too, but told the judge to keep the cash."
Garson finally agreed and put the money into a drawer. The cash was later found in the Garson's pocket when he was picked up by authorities.
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