The Orange County judge accused of killing his wife in Anaheim Hills last year is still being paid his nearly quarter-million salary, even from behind bars in Los Angeles County.
Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who is back in jail after he allegedly lied about drinking alcohol while awaiting trial, made more than $220,000 in salary in 2023, with an additional $22,000 in benefits, the Orange County Register reports.
That $242,000 compensation continued to be paid out even after Ferguson allegedly shot and killed his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, on Aug. 3, 2023.
He has pleaded not guilty, though prosecutors say Ferguson confessed to the killing when texting with his court clerk and bailiff.
So why is he still being paid? Blame the California Constitution, which is very specific about instances such as this.
“While the California Constitution says a judge facing a felony is ‘disqualified from acting as a judge,’ the law also clearly states that the change in his judicial status ‘comes without loss of salary,’” the Register notes.
Only after a felony conviction would he be suspended without pay.
The Orange County judge accused of killing his wife in Anaheim Hills last year is still being paid his nearly quarter-million salary, even from behind bars in Los Angeles County. Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who is back in jail after he allegedly lied about drinking alcohol while awaiting trial, made more than $220,000 in […]
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