Shocking incident, Judge Mark Grisanti, an acting state Supreme Court justice in Buffalo, New York, was caught on camera shoving a police officer during a heated altercation with his neighbors over a parking space.
Incident Breakdown
On June 23, 2020, tensions flared outside Judge Grisanti’s home when he believed his neighbors, Joseph Mele, 69, and Gina Mele, 57, were encroaching on his driveway. The confrontation escalated quickly, prompting a call to the Buffalo Police Department. Upon arrival, officers found themselves in the midst of a chaotic scene.
Police body cam footage captured Grisanti, shirtless and visibly agitated, storming towards the officers as his wife was being handcuffed and taken to the ground. In the video, Grisanti can be heard yelling expletives and shoving one of the officers. “You better get off my f–king wife,” he shouted, adding that his connections with Mayor Byron Brown and relatives on the police force would lead to consequences if his wife was not released.
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Aftermath and Reactions
Following the incident, Grisanti was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle. Despite his aggressive behavior, no charges were filed against him. Police Capt. Jeff Rinaldo explained that Grisanti’s actions, while inappropriate, did not constitute a criminal offense as he merely gave the officer a shoulder shove.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct reviewed the case and voted to censure Grisanti for his “especially poor judgment.” However, they stopped short of removing him from office. Grisanti’s attorney, Terrence Connors, defended his client, emphasizing that Grisanti’s work on the bench had been exemplary and that the incident should not overshadow his career.
Judicial Career Impact
Despite the censure, Grisanti’s judicial career faced significant consequences. Nearly three years after the incident, it was revealed that he would be replaced on the bench. Grisanti was omitted from the list of 25 judicial nominees sent to the state Senate Judiciary Committee by Governor Kathy Hochul. Commission chair Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s spokesperson confirmed Grisanti was not reappointed to his seat.
Judge Grisanti has served as an acting state Supreme Court justice in the court’s 8th District since 2018. Following the expiration of his term last July, he remained on the court as a “holdover” awaiting his replacement.
Conclusion
The incident involving Judge Mark Grisanti serves as a reminder of the high standards of conduct expected from public officials. While the judge’s actions did not result in criminal charges, the repercussions on his career underscore the importance of maintaining professionalism, both on and off the bench.
