There’s trouble brewing for one upstate judge.
Judge Philip Gentell, based in Rossy, has come under scrutiny after a fellow jurist hinted at possible inappropriate connections with local government staff—reminiscent of the dynamics in the film “Body Heat.” This became evident during his court sessions in St. Lawrence County earlier this year.
As noted by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Gentell described the relationship between jurists and code enforcers from surrounding towns as “very tight,” sparking further inquiry.
Gentell faced criticism from other unnamed judges regarding a private zoning matter that involved an enforcement officer. Reports describe the courtroom atmosphere as not unlike a scene from a Kathleen Turner and William Hurt film, implying an unusual closeness among those involved.
The committee’s report delved into the nature of the comments, drawing parallels to “passionate events” in the film, including plot points involving conspiracies. Such references didn’t sit well with the committee.
In their findings, they cautioned that if judges indulge in conversations implying misconduct, it undermines their role to maintain fairness and integrity in court. The report emphasized that gossip and inappropriate remarks only erode the court’s credibility.
Gentell admitted that his behavior was indeed inappropriate and acknowledged the need for public discipline.
However, this wasn’t the only troubling instance involving Gentell. Between late 2022 and early 2024, he engaged in private discussions regarding assault cases without informing the defense attorney, which further compounded concerns about his judicial conduct. Gentell has been serving as a judge since 2018, and his current term is set to conclude in December.
