Family Court Scandal: Judge's Advances on Litigant Spark Outrage

NYC Mayor Adams Under Fire: Reappointment of Controversial Judge Questions Vetting Process

New York City Family Court Judge Cynthia Lopez

By Richard Luthmann

Stunning allegations are rocking the New York City Family Court. Judge Cynthia Lopez allegedly attempted to seduce a mother involved in a custody battle she was presiding over. The communications stemmed from an interaction on a swinger's app.

The accusation prompted Judge Lopez's swift recusal and a whirlwind of scrutiny over the appointment and conduct of Family Court judges.

Sidney Southerland, the mother at the center of the controversy, alleges that Judge Lopez, using "Cynthia," approached her on 3Fun, a platform known for connecting individuals interested in non-monogamous relationships. The judge's alleged profile, which depicted a woman in lingerie, explicitly stated a preference for "hot sexy fun" with couples and single ladies. The profile marks a shocking departure from the decorum expected of the judiciary.

Days before a court hearing, Southerland received an unexpected message on 3Fun, a platform for individuals exploring non-monogamous relationships. The sender, identifying herself as "Cynthia," initiated contact early on January 24, greeting Southerland with a casual "GM" for good morning and asking about her well-being.

Cynthia's profile described her as bisexual and mentioned a male partner known only as "Ant." The sender was direct about what she was looking for, stating in her public profile:

“We are a full swap [couple] in an [ethical non-monogamy] dynamic looking to have some hot sexy fun with other full swap [couples] and single ladies,” she wrote. “We love thick girls just as much as we love petite girls! At the end of the day it’s all about personality. Guys at the most should be stocky and I the female, prefer males to be somewhat endowed.”

The alluring swinger's profile allegedly shows Judge Cynthia Lopez.

Swinger's profile: NYC Family Court Judge Cynthia Lopez?

Southerland responded sharply to the message:

"You know exactly who I am," she remembered saying.

After her reply, the sender quickly blocked her. Nevertheless, Southerland captured screenshots of their conversation and the profile in question.

"I'm going to file a complaint," she declared, suspecting that Judge Lopez was deliberately delaying her custody case due to a personal attraction.

"It seemed she was interested in me personally, which I find troubling. I've been battling for my children for two years, and now I face obstacles due to this apparent attraction," Southerland told the NY Post.

She aired her frustrations on TikTok and X, sharing her experience publicly just two days after the initial message.

"Imagine you're dealing with Family Court and the judge, who seems to dislike you, sends you a message on a swingers dating app just a week before your court date," Southerland stated online.

NYC Officials and the NYS Office of Court Administration are investigating the matter.

Judge Lopez's recusal did little to quell the uproar. Many are questioning Mayor Eric Adams' decision to re-appoint her to the Family Court bench just last month. Critics are now calling for a thorough vetting process for judicial appointments, especially in cases involving the welfare of children and families.

In response to the allegations, the Latino Judges Association, of which Lopez is a member, has yet to issue a statement. Judge Lopez directed inquiries to the Office of Court Administration, which has confirmed its review of the claims.

"The Court has been made aware of this claim and is reviewing it," an OCA spokesman said when asked about the judge's alleged escapades and whether they led to her recusal.

The implications of this scandal are a direct focus on the integrity of the NYC Family Court. What are the criteria for selecting judges who wield significant power over the lives of New York's families? With Judge Lopez's career hanging in the balance and the public's trust in the judiciary at stake, the call for transparency and accountability has never been louder.

NYC Family Court lacks rigorous oversight and ethical standards - with many left wondering about the safeguards to protect the sanctity of the judicial process and the families it purportedly serves.

In the wake of Judge Lopez's recusal, Judge Fiordaliza A. Rodriguez will take over the custody case.

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