NORTHAMPTON – The former first justice of Eastern Hampshire District Court has hired a notable Northampton attorney while he is being investigated by two state agencies.
David Hoose confirmed Thursday that he is representing District Court Judge Thomas H. Estes.
Estes, 50, of Northampton, was named in a complaint filed on July 24 by Tammy Cagle with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging discrimination and sexual harassment. The discrimination complaint names the Behavioral Health Network and the Executive Office of the Trial Court as the respondents.
The state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct confirmed Monday in a statement to the news media that it has received a complaint into the allegations made against Estes with MCAD by Cagle.
“The Commission’s investigation and consideration of the allegations against Judge Estes is independent of MCAD’s investigation and is subject to the procedures outlined in its Rules and enabling statute,” the statement read.
Cagle, a licensed clinical social worker who was hired to help launch the specialty court program in Pittsfield, was removed from her position at the Behavioral Health Network last spring. In the complaint, she alleges the removal came after she ended a sexual relationship with Estes that began on a work-related trip in November 2016, the Berkshire Eagle reported.
The investigation by MCAD can take 18 to 24 months before a determination is made on whether there is probable cause to send the complaint to a public hearing.
Hoose said Thursday that Estes is cooperating with both investigations. He would not comment on where the investigations stand.
Estes was placed on “administrative assignment” on Aug. 17, 2017, and now works in Holyoke District Court. He had been first justice in Eastern Hampshire District Court since February 2016. He was appointed a judge in Northampton District Court in March 2014. He previously worked as a public defender in Hampshire County.
A public records request to MCAD for Cagle’s complaint and related documents was denied by the agency, which cited numerous exemptions under the public records law.
This story contains reporting from the Berkshire Eagle. Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.