Supreme Court Orders Removal of Minnesota Judge

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota judge is removed from office after the Minnesota Supreme Court found he violated the judicial code of conduct by lying about his residency.

The justices found Anoka County District Court Judge Alan Pendleton violated the Minnesota Constitution when he didn't live in the district for part of 2014. He then lied about his residency as he sought re-election in 2014.

A panel that reviewed the case had recommended Pendleton be censured and suspended without pay for at least six months. But the Supreme Court instead removed him from office.

Pendleton's attorney didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

Pendleton has handled high-profile cases, including that of Timothy LaMere, who pleaded guilty to unintentional murder after bringing synthetic drugs to a 2011 party. Trevor Robinson died after taking them.