Judge Removed from Bench for Forging Document to Secure Parking Discount

A Washington state judge has been removed from the bench after admitting to forging a document in an attempt to secure a $10 discount on parking. The incident, which occurred in 2023 while David Ruzumna served as a pro tem judge for King County District Court, involved presenting a falsified letter to a parking attendant at Goat Hill Garage. The document falsely claimed Ruzumna was employed by the court and bore an official court seal. The Washington Supreme Court ruled that his actions violated judicial ethics and warranted removal from the bench.

Ruzumna, who lives in a $1.4 million Seattle home and operates his own law firm, repeatedly attempted to access the county employee parking discount despite not qualifying for it. Pro tem judges in King County are typically paid on a per diem basis and do not receive employee ID badges, a prerequisite for the discount. Parking attendants informed him of this requirement at least twice, yet Ruzumna persisted. His efforts included flashing his judicial robes to gain access, which failed, prompting him to fabricate a document.

The forged letter, which appeared to be signed by District Court Judge Rebecca Robertson, was presented to a parking attendant. The document included an official court seal, creating the illusion of judicial endorsement. The Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that Ruzumna "attempted to falsely convey" that Judge Robertson approved his use of the discount. Judge Lisa O'Toole, a member of King County's executive committee, called the actions "shocking, to say the least," emphasizing that the issue was not whether Ruzumna was entitled to the discount but the "incredible lack of judgment" in forging the letter.

Ruzumna initially challenged the Commission's recommendation for removal, arguing that the document was a "joke" and that it contained "multiple random stamps." However, the Supreme Court dismissed these claims, citing testimony from the parking attendant and photographic evidence. The court found his statements contradictory and determined he demonstrated "a lack of integrity and judgment." In a statement to the Daily Mail, Ruzumna admitted to his mistake but disputed the court's decision, claiming he had "taken responsibility" and that the ruling was "completely wrong."

The incident raises questions about the potential impact on public trust in the judiciary. Ruzumna, who has served as a pro tem judge since 2013 across eight different courts, including Seattle Municipal Court and Snohomish County District Court, now faces uncertainty about his other judicial appointments. His legal career spans nearly three decades, focusing on real estate, business, and criminal defense. In 2012, he ran for a permanent judicial position on King County Superior Court but received the fewest votes in the primary.

The case underscores the tension between personal conduct and professional responsibility. While Ruzumna's actions may seem minor to some, the use of judicial authority to forge documents undermines the integrity of the legal system. The Supreme Court's decision highlights the gravity of such violations, even when they involve seemingly trivial matters like parking discounts. The fallout from this incident may reverberate beyond Ruzumna's career, influencing how courts and communities perceive the accountability of those entrusted with judicial power.

The removal of Ruzumna from the bench serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ethical lapses, no matter how small they may appear. It also prompts reflection on the mechanisms in place to ensure that judges adhere to the standards expected of them. As the legal community processes this ruling, the broader implications for judicial conduct and public confidence remain to be seen.