Judge Sasso resigned in January, 2008 citing health reasons about two months before the ethics complaint was brought.
Judge Sasso is charged with being under the influence while acting as Judge, imposing inappropriate fines on parties and counsel, imposing reduced fines on students and breaching the peace in a bar.
On two occasions Judge Sasso was accused of being so under the influence during court that he had slurred speech.
Judge Sasso claims that the slurred speech was due to Vicodin for knee and back problems as well as medicine for diabetes and high blood pressure.
Judge Sasso did admit that he also had wine with lunch on those occasions.
Judge Sasso also experiences sleep apnea which might cause slurred speech according to his attorney.
I am sure that Judge Sasso is right about his medication and sleep apnea causing his slurred speech; however, I wish regular citizens got the same benefit of the doubt.