By Associated Press - Thursday, February 9, 2017

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island district court judge who’s facing sexual harassment and judicial misconduct complaints told a state commission the allegations against him are racially motivated.

The Providence Journal reports (https://bit.ly/2k5DkkG ) that Judge Rafael Ovalles took the stand on Wednesday during the hearing held by the state Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline.

Witnesses have alleged Ovalles degraded women and mistreated court staff, lawyers and the public. Ovalles has denied the allegations.

Ovalles, who became the state’s first Hispanic judge when he was named to the bench in 2005, said Wednesday that most people in society “are not used to being told what to do by a minority” and “that is a factor” in the case.

Ovalles has been relieved from all judicial duties with pay since December 2015.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, https://www.providencejournal.com

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