Law clerk allowed to act like judge has been fired

A law clerk running for judge who was allowed to make rulings from the bench earlier this month has been fired, according to a statement from the Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County.

Chief Judge Timothy Evans suspended Rhonda Crawford without pay Aug. 17, about a week after she was accused of making rulings in two cases from the bench in Markham. She was then fired Aug. 26, according to Tuesday’s statement.

Cook County Judge Valarie E. Turner, who allegedly allowed Crawford — running for judge in the November election — to put on her robe and make the rulings, has since been reassigned to non-courtroom duties.

A spokesman for Evans said the Aug. 11 incident involved Crawford presiding in “two minor traffic tickets — one for driving with no insurance and another for driving on the median.” Turner’s courtroom was in the Sixth Municipal District Courthouse in Markham.

Citing Illinois Supreme Court rules, a news release from Evans office said he could offer no further comment because it is an ongoing matter.

Crawford’s job had paid $56,961 a year.

A spokesman for Evans has indicated both cases in which Crawford had ruled would be heard again by another judge.