Broward County Judge Claudia Robinson resigns

Months after favoritism allegations surface, Feb. 12 resignation is announced

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Judge Claudia Robinson submitted her resignation Thursday.

Robinson is under investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission, after a Local 10 News investigation showed that she showered Michael Ahearn, her former 2014 campaign manager, with lucrative appointments from the bench.

Robinson conceded the charges in November and agreed to a suspension in December. 

Chief Judge Jack Tuter announced Robinson's Feb. 12 resignation date.

Local 10 News investigative reporter Bob Norman tried to speak with Robinson at her home Friday, but when she came to the window, she was in no mood to talk. 

"I'm going to call the police," Robinson told Norman. 

Norman discovered that Robinson showered Ahearn with more than 80 percent of her lucrative mediation appointments -- worth about $45,000 to his law practice.

The JQC investigated and found that she "failed to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary" and recommended a 30-day suspension. 

When Norman went to ask Robinson about that last month, he discovered that she canceled court for the day, with an aide claiming she was stuck at the doctor's office.

The JQC reopened its investigation after that story aired, saying new information had come to light, which ultimately led to Thursday's resignation.  

The resignation takes effect Feb. 12, but Robinson is now on a leave of absence and is not expected to return to her courtroom again.