Newfield Justice Accused of Misconduct

A Town Court Justice in Tompkins County is stepping down after being accused of misconduct.

Newfield Town Court Justice Linda Becker was being investigated by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct after receiving a complaint that she posed as her daughter in a call to the Assistant District Attorney to request that charges in a criminal case where her daughter was a witness be upgraded.

Becker has apologized and said she was not thinking clearly and acting as a mother when she requested that charges against the defendant be changed from harassment to assault.

Becker’s resignation is effective December 31.

She will not be able to take a judicial office in the future.