In May 1990, Thomas Robert Heroy, former purchasing agent for Edison Township, entered a guilty plea to federal *550 racketeering charges. However, we modify its recommendations with respect to appropriate discipline. Based on our independent review of the record, we concur in the ACJC's determinations that respondent violated the standards of judicial conduct in both instances. The Court has received briefs and heard oral argument. The parties do not suggest that the informality of the hearing below renders the record unreliable for purposes of this Court's disciplinary determination. On February 27, 1991, this Court, on its own motion, issued an order to show cause requiring respondent to show why a public reprimand or other discipline should not be imposed based on the conduct that had been the subject of the ACJC proceedings. Following this conference, the ACJC, in a letter dated January 29, 1991, set forth its findings of fact and conclusions, namely, that the conduct of respondent violated the standards governing judicial conduct and warranted a private reprimand. These referred to respondent's attendance at a social event hosted by a person recently convicted of a crime, and the representation by respondent's law partner of the Edison Chief of Police, a former client of respondent, in a private real estate matter. On November 14, 1990, the ACJC held an informal conference with respondent and his attorney to review the allegations. On October 17, 1990, the ACJC informed respondent that the matter would be discussed by the ACJC in an informal conference. On September 10, 1990, a resident of Edison Township forwarded a letter of complaint to the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC) with regard to several instances of conduct by respondent, Robert Blackman, a judge of the Municipal Court of that community. This is a disciplinary case that involves a judge of the municipal court. Lecky argued the cause for respondent (Stamberger & Lecky, attorneys Jeffrey Zajac, on the brief). Monahan, Jr., Counsel, argued the cause for Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. BLACKMAN, JUDGE OF THE EDISON MUNICIPAL COURT.
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