Baugh's later attempt to retract his sentence and rationale was "inconsistent with Montana law," McGrath continued. "Finally, Baugh made additional inappropriate public statements attempting to justify his actions," he said.

Baugh has "eroded public confidence in the judiciary and created an appearance of impropriety, therefore violating the Montana Code of Judicial Conduct," McGrath said.

"He has caused Montana citizens, as well as others, to question the fairness of our justice system and whether prejudice or bias affected the outcome of the Rambold case," McGrath said.

Because Baugh had not consented to a suspension and because the commission did not recommend one, the Supreme Court's order gives him until June 19 to withdraw his consent to judicial discipline.

If Baugh withdraws his consent to discipline, the matter will return to the commission for formal proceedings.

If Baugh does not withdraw his consent, he is ordered to appear before the court at 9:30 a.m. on July 1 for public censure. And the suspension will begin on Dec. 1.