Mr Pearson had held his position for two years

Roy Pearson's term as an administrative law judge in Washington DC expired on 2 May and the selection commission voted not to reappoint him.

In 2005, Mr Pearson sued his cleaners after they refused to pay for a pair of lost trousers.

He said they had failed to honour a pledge of "satisfaction guaranteed".

'Mental anguish'

Local media, citing sources familiar with the case, reported the commission's decision last month.

However, the confirmation only came in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Associated Press news agency.

In his lawsuit, Mr Pearson had demanded repayment for the lost trousers as well as damages for inconvenience, mental anguish and attorney fees for representing himself.

But a Washington judge dismissed the case, which drew international attention, and awarded the cleaners costs.

Mr Pearson did not immediately respond to email requests from AP for a comment.