Judge John S. Landbeck Jr., who decided last week not to seek another term in the wake of allegations he made inappropriate remarks and offered unwelcome attention toward women, will serve the final two months of his District Court term outside Harford County.
Robert F. Sweeney, chief judge of the District Court of Maryland, said yesterday that he and Judge Landbeck had reached a "mutual agreement" to have Judge Landbeck act as a "floating" or "visiting judge" in other counties and Baltimore City until his term ends April 13.
Judge Landbeck said Feb. 1 that he would prefer not to subject himself and his family to public reconfirmation hearings.
Judge Sweeney said Judge Landbeck "did not want staff members to feel uncomfortable if he were to finish out in Harford County."
Judge Emory A. Plitt Jr., acting administrative judge for Harford District Court, said yesterday that Judge Landbeck's immediate departure would have no major impact on the Harford County District Court.
Judge Plitt said the court has operated with three judges on Mondays and Wednesdays anyway, while one of its judges traveled to other counties to hear cases.
"Tuesday is our civil docket day, and we will just divide the docket by three instead of four," Judge Plitt said.
He said he will request a visiting judge, most likely on Thursdays, to hear criminal and serious traffic cases.
"The dockets are scheduled up to April 13, so we'll just make do until then," Judge Plitt said.
"After April 13, we'll schedule dockets for three judges and go on from there" until Gov. Parris N. Glendening appoints a replacement for Judge Landbeck.
Judge Sweeney said it was uncertain whether the vacancy created by Judge Landbeck's departure will be advertised soon. "Technically, it's not a vacancy [until April 13]," he said.
Judge Sweeney said he does not know when the governor would move to fill the judgeship, "but I'm really not concerned. We have other resources to assist, but the docket has not become so jammed yet that we've had to become concerned."