A town justice in LeRay resigns amid an investigation into homophobic comments. 

The New York State Commission of Judicial Conduct is currently investigating John Hallett for allegedly making homophobic and inappropriate remarks and gestures to an attorney in the Jefferson County Court Complex last year.

Hallett has served as a justice in the town of LeRay for 15 years, and also works as a Watertown-based attorney.

He was served with a formal written complaint earlier this year. He will step down as town justice beginning December 21st.

“Homophobic remarks and anti-LGBTQ sentiments have no place in the lexicon of the courts or the vocabulary of a judge," said Commission Administrator Robert Tembeckjian in a statement. "Such statements undermine public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, which demands that a judge be and appear fair-minded and unprejudiced toward all who have business in the courts.” 

He has agreed to never seek or accept judicial office at any time in the future.