Kansas judge accused of bigotry, profanities in courthouse
By Roxana Hegeman
Associated Press
December 6, 2019
WICHITA, Kan. — A foul-mouthed Kansas judge accused of bigotry and racism who cursed at courthouse employees so often that a trial clerk kept a “swear journal” documenting his obscene outbursts is facing complaints that his conduct violates the central judicial canons of independence, integrity and impartiality.
The Kansas Commission on Judicial Qualifications will next week consider whether Montgomery County Judge F. William Cullins performs his duties with sufficient competence and diligence that he can continue on the bench.
According to a filing, Cullins is accused of mistreating employees; fostering a hostile relationship with the county attorney’s office; lacking patience and decorum; exhibiting disdain toward attorneys; and treating some bondsmen with hostility. Other allegations purport he showed bias or prejudice in the courtroom based on race, sex, socioeconomic status or political affiliation, and denied some defendants or their lawyers the right to be heard.
Cullins has acknowledged that he needs “a more effective management style,” according to the judicial panel’s pretrial order.
Cullins declined to comment to The Associated Press on the upcoming proceedings, referring the call to his attorney, Christopher Joseph, who also declined to comment. Several attorneys and others who practice before the judge either didn’t return calls or refused to talk about Cullins’ behavior.
Court documents detail instances in which Cullins directed foul, derogatory language at women, as well as specific allegations of racism. In one instance, Cullins was recorded referring to an out-of-state black athlete as “not even a Kansas boy” and telling a black male resident, “you’re a Kansas boy” — language that could be considered demeaning to an African American man.
Cullins argued in a filing that this was not a manifestation of racial bias and said the attorney who raised objections has since testified that it appeared no racial connotation was intended.
The judge has acknowledged that he curses frequently and “bitches at people to try to get them to correct their ways.”
As his relationship with Montgomery County Attorney Larry Markle deteriorated, Cullins wrote expletives on documents sent to Markle’s office and he allegedly belittled the prosecutor before law enforcement officials in open court.
Cullins has acknowledged in court filings that his communications indicate his frustration with Markle’s office, but denies that his emotions affected his rulings. He contends that the county attorney’s office has failed to file charges in a timely manner against jailed defendants and misused subpoenas.
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