Clare Town Justice resigns amid state allegations

RUSSELL – Town of Clare Justice Jessica Matthews has resigned amid allegations she failed to file reports or remit funds, according to a State of New York Commission on Judicial Conduct stipulation report.

In a letter dated June 23, 2021, Matthews was apprised the commission was investigating a complaint that she did not file reports or remit funds to the Office of the State Comptroller in the time required by law for the months of November and December.

Her judicial salary was stopped May 20, 2020. The report also noted Matthews, also known as Jessica Barr, did not respond to a June letter and follow-up letters dated Aug. 12, 2021 and Sept. 13, 2021 from the Commission.

Matthew tendered her resignation letter on May 24.

Matthews has served as Clare Town Justice since 2017. Her current term is slated to expire Dec. 23, 2023.

The report also mentioned that as part of her resignation, she agreed not to seek or accept judicial office at any time in the future.

Pursuant to Article VI, section 22(h) of the Constitution, “a judge who is removed from office shall be ineligible to hold other judicial office,” the report read.