The Florida Supreme Court removes Judge Judith Hawkins from the bench for using her judicial office to promote her Christian ministry.

According to reports, the Leon County trial court judge sold religious books from her judicial office as part of her for-profit Christian ministry, Gaza Road Ministries.

Religion Clause reports Judge Hawkins sold Gaza Road Ministries products to lawyers appearing before her, promoted the products online wearing her judicial robes, and used her judicial assistant to promote and produce the products.

By removing Judge Hawkins from the bench, the Florida Supreme Court actually imposed a harsher penalty than recommended. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) had argued Hawkins should be suspended without pay for three months, fined $17,000 and reprimanded.

The JQC also found Hawkins guilty of failing to comply with state tax laws when selling ministry products, misleading investigators, and not devoting her full time for judicial duties.

In justifying their decision to terminate, the Supreme Court said Hawkins was deceitful and dishonest during her disciplinary hearing. In their 36-page opinion released late last week, Florida Supreme Court justices wrote:

“We conclude that Judge Hawkins’ conduct is fundamentally inconsistent with the responsibilities of judicial office, demonstrating present unfitness to hold office, and that removal is the only appropriate sanction. Based on the violations found by the Hearing Panel, which were supported by clear and convincing evidence, we conclude removal from the bench is the only appropriate sanction in this case.”

Judge Hawkins was found guilty of ethics charges alleging she had used her office to promote her for-profit religious ministry. Hawkins sold religious books, study guides and other publications to lawyers and staffers at the county courthouse produced by Gaza Road Ministries.

Not everyone is happy with the decision. Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, a supporter of Judge Hawkins, called the decision a “travesty of justice,” complaining:

“It’s like going to court and the judge gave you a sentence of probation and a fine and then the judge changing his mind coming back and giving you a death penalty.”

Hawkins has until Nov. 14 to file a motion for a rehearing following the state Supreme Court’s ruling to remove her from the bench.

By state law, Florida Governor Rick Scott can appoint a replacement who will serve until January 2017. Hawkins’ six-year term would have been up for election again in November 2018, but now will be decided during the general election cycle in 2016.