The New Mexico Supreme Court has unsealed records indicating that a San Miguel County probate judge faced allegations of misconduct when he retired in March.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the records included a Judicial Standards Commission notice of former proceedings against then-Judge Joe Horace Lucero.
The February notice said Lucero was accused of calling a prospective litigant "sweetheart," retaliating or trying to retaliate against a lawyer who said he would file a complaint against Lucero, and failing to be patient, dignified and courteous to the lawyer and the prospective litigant.
Lucero declined to comment on the allegations.
A Supreme Court order issued Tuesday accepted what it called the "permanent retirement" of Lucero and his pledge never to seek judicial office.