Another judge sent to 'judges' jail' -- but not for long

Yesterday the Office of the Chief Judge issued the following statement:

The Executive Committee of the Circuit Court of Cook County has determined that, on or about December 6, 2021, the Hon. Raúl Vega allegedly made a statement to another judge, which, if made, would likely be a violation of the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct.

At the Committee’s request, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, who convened the committee, has ordered that this matter be referred to the Judicial Inquiry Board.

Judge Evans also has ordered that, until further order of the court, Judge Vega is assigned to restricted duties or duties other than judicial duties in the office of the Presiding Judge of the First Municipal District.

Judge Vega previously had announced his upcoming retirement, effective next month. He is the former presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Division. Chief Judge Evans named the Hon. Judith C. Rice as the acting presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Division on December 23.

According to the Illinois Supreme Court website, Judge Vega's retirement is effective January 28.