Judge Who Deflated Tire Pleads Guilty

The Charles County, Maryland  judge who deflated the tire on a car parked improperly at the courthouse parking lot has pleaded guilty to tampering with a vehicle.

The car had been parked in the afternoon of August 10 by a cleaning lady who works two jobs a day. She had parked her car in an area labeled "restricted." It's the area in which judges usually park.

Jean Wilson, 51, sat in the courtroom on Wednesday when Circuit Judge Robert Nalley pleaded guilty. The judge also apologized to the victim.

"I am profoundly sorry," said Judge Nalley, "I am ashamed of the conduct."

Nalley added that his decision to deflate one of the tires on the car embarrassed this community and embarrassed his family.

Two local lawmen had witnessed the judge deflating the tire. He was issued a citation after an investigation of the incident.

Citing the judge's prior criminal record -- none -- defense attorney William Brennan asked for, and was granted, "probation before judgement". Under that ruling, the charges will melt away if the defendant stays out of trouble.

But the visiting judge who heard the case, Anne Arundel Co. District Judge Robert Wilcox, hit Nalley with the maximum fine of $500. He also ordered Judge Nalley to write a "heartfelt" letter of apology to the victim.

Judge Nalley is still in trouble over the vandalism. It was confirmed in court that the commission that oversees judges in Maryland is actively investigating Nalley's conduct in this matter. That commission has the power to sanction and even fire judges.