Broward Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins Faces Suspension After Grabbing Employee by the Neck UPDATED

The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC) has recommended immediate suspension of Broward County Circuit Judge Vegina "Gina" Hawkins after a video captured her placing her hands around a court employee's neck.

Hawkins, a former prosecutor, was appointed to the family division by Gov. Rick Scott in November. However, since early June, the FJQC has been investigating a complaint filed against her. While the probe continued, Hawkins was reassigned to the foreclosure division. The FJQC concluded its investigation July 18.

"At the July 12, 2019 hearing, the Investigative Panel of the Commission took testimony from the judge, reviewed affidavits and other evidence, and determined that probable cause exists to believe that Judge Hawkins violated the Code of Judicial Conduct," the recommendation says. "The panel also determined that the commission should recommend Judge Hawkins be immediately suspended without compensation, pending final disposition of this matter."

According to the FJQC recommendation, which was reported by Broward Beat and JAABlog, on June 11, Judge Hawkins was seen on a security camera grabbing a court employee by the neck after she was told her afternoon docket was not ready.

"After being informed that the papers would be provided to her shortly, Judge Hawkins sought out the employee who was working in another judge's courtroom," the report says. "Entering the courtroom through a secure hallway, Judge Hawkins motioned for the employee to come outside into the hallway. As the employee walked through the doorway, Judge Hawkins placed her hands around his neck and shook him back and forth."

Despite seeing the video footage herself, Judge Hawkins in her self-report told the commission she never touched the employee, the two were "fairly friendly," and "described her actions as engaging in 'jest.'" However, the FJQC found her characterization to be misleading, causing the panel to be concerned by her misrepresentation.
"[Hawkins' statement] is clearly refuted by the security video, which Judge Hawkins watched prior to submitting her self-report. The employee did not describe the judge's demeanor that morning as friendly or joking, but  'extremely upset,'" the commission wrote. "Another employee who interacted with Judge Hawkins shortly after the incident says Judge Hawkins remarked about the encounter and demonstrated what she did by making a choking motion in the air."

Eventually, Hawkins admitted to the panel she "touched and shook the employee." But when members asked her why she failed to say that in the self-report, the judge said that "when she watched the video prior to writing the self-report, it was 'grainy,' she was crying, and she didn't remember putting her hands on the person."

Ultimately, the investigative panel found Hawkins' behavior to be "wholly inappropriate" and recommended immediate suspension without pay.

"Within the judicial branch, as in civilian life, it is never appropriate for a person in a supervisory position to put their hands around the neck of an employee or subordinate and shake them," the filing says. "It is all the more inappropriate, and potentially criminal, when such conduct is motivated by anger or to emphasize displeasure."

Now, Judge Hawkins' fate lies with the Florida Supreme Court, which in the coming months will make a decision regarding her behavior.

Just a day after the FJQC issued its recommendation, the Florida Supreme Court suspended Hawkins without pay on Friday, July 19.