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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded 7th District Judge Bruce K. Halliday for his out-of-court contacts with a woman on probation for drug offenses.
The court agreed with the Judicial Conduct Commission that Halliday should receive a public sanction. The justices issued the one-page order June 1 but did not explain their reasoning.
The Judicial Conduct Commission had contended the Price-based judge violated ethics rules, state law and the Utah Constitution when he had several out-of-court meetings and conversations with Natalie Blanton of Price.
The commission said there was no evidence of romantic involvement in Halliday's visits with Blanton. It said his actions were driven by his goal of reducing recidivism and were well-intentioned.
Halliday and his attorney, Ronald Yengich, were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
Blanton's contacts with Halliday began in 2001 when she pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and he sentenced her to 30 days of home confinement, restitution and probation.
She was arrested again on the same charges and Halliday ordered her to serve one year in jail and complete an inpatient treatment program.
Halliday checked up on her during visits to her home and out-of-court conversations.
Emery County Attorney David Blackwell said he contacted the Judicial Conduct Commission after hearing about Halliday's visits from a probation officer.
Blanton is serving a prison term for burglary in a case heard by another judge.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
