Montana judge suspended 30 days without pay for misconduct

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Montana Supreme Court has suspended a state judge for 30 days without pay after she acknowledged violating judicial rules by not being truthful under oath and for claims she made during her 2018 campaign.

The justices rejected a recommended public censure, saying District Judge Ashley Harada's actions require suspension to give her time to re-focus on the principles of honesty, respect and decency.

A former employee of Harada said the judge made false statements to try and prevent her from getting into law school.

Harada then denied under oath that she had employed the woman.

Harada also acknowledged engaging in partisan politics during her nonpartisan campaign.