Judge removed by Maryland Supreme Court over alleged office misconduct

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — A Maryland judge has been removed from her position by the state's Supreme Court after being suspended since 2023.

Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge April Ademilyi's removal at the request of the Maryland Commission of Judicial Disabilities followed Monday's oral arguments on misconduct accusations during her time. It's the first time in Prince George's County history that a judge has been ordered removed, sources told WJLA's Brad Bell.

Ademiluyi was sworn in as a circuit court judge on Dec. 18, 2020.

Investigations began into Ademiluyi on Sept. 27, 2022, after allegations arose that she bypassed the judicial nomination process and vetting, ultimately beating a previously seated judge.

Court documents noted concerns from the Commission of Judicial Disabilities with a campaign ad from Ademiluyi that detailed her personal experience as a sexual assault survivor, claiming that the ad could "reasonably be perceived as inconsistent with the independence and impartiality of judicial office."

While in office, two of Ademiluyi's employees told the commission that the judge would routinely "demand, demean, and belittle" them, leading to both seeking medical attention for stress and anxiety.

In 2023, Ademilyi was suspended without pay and barred from a courthouse.