Judge Leticia Astacio arraigned on new probation violations

Embattled City Court Judge Leticia Astacio returned to City Court Friday afternoon to be arraigned on three new probation violations.

On Friday afternoon, Astacio, 36, denied the allegations in court and remained free without any bail.

Astacio last week appeared at Monroe County's Hall of Justice to be arraigned on the three new violation charges, but Ontario County Judge Stephen Aronson postponed the arraignment by one week since Astacio was not able to secure a lawyer in time.

Defense lawyer Mark Foti, who represented Astacio in court on Friday, said he appeared provisionally until Astacio secures permanent counsel. Aronson agreed to adjourn the case until June 28.

Ontario County Assistant District Attorney Zach Mauer said the adjournment will allow time to determine whether Astacio completed her required treatment. It’s clear she started it, he said, but there is confusion or disagreement about whether she finished.

Aronson in court said he will want to see letters from Astacio's health care providers that address the issue.

Earlier this week, the state's Commission on Judicial Conduct stripped Astacio of her judgeship. Astacio, who was suspended with pay earlier this month, can ask the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, to review the decision.

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Two of the new charges stem from her alleged attempt to purchase a shotgun at Dick's Sporting Goods in Henrietta on April 2 and the resulting felony charge of attempted criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon.

The third violation is for not complying with required mental health treatment, prosecutors said.

In 2016, Astacio was convicted of driving while intoxicated, followed by a string of probation violations and time spent in jail.

The terms of Astacio's probation prohibit her from "possessing a firearm, dangerous weapon, or noxious substance."

She is scheduled to appear in Henrietta Town Court at 5 p.m. May 3 to answer to the felony charge. She was arraigned on that charge earlier this month and released on her own recognizance.

VFREILE@Gannett.com

SLAHMAN@Gannett.com