An attorney for the commission then launched an initial, confidential investigation. Under state law, had the commission filed ethics charges, Crnkovich would not have been allowed to retire and receive a pension, “until the matter is resolved by the commission or the Supreme Court.”

The ethics charges against her were about to be formalized, the sources said.

Crnkovich’s response: “I don’t know who told you that. I was aware that Ernie Chambers was complaining. And honestly between 2016 and now, every effort to do the right thing has been more and more challenging. Frankly, I am tired.”

In her 25 years as a judge, Crnkovich was passionate about protecting children and had generally good rapport with juveniles and their parents. But she was also a lightning rod among attorneys and social service workers for what they saw as intemperate behavior.

Ten years ago, she had an attorney — an assistant public defender known for his mild-mannered nature — handcuffed and taken to a sixth-floor courthouse holding tank after he argued with her. The judge released him, within an hour, without a contempt citation.

Three years ago, she kicked a citizen’s watchdog group out of her courtroom.