The mental health of a Florida judge is on trial in Sanford, FL., says the Orlando Sentinel. A psychologist testified yesterday taht Judge John Sloop, who locked up 11 people after they went to the wrong courtroom could have a mental disorder, but that his real problem is that he’s an angry man who uses intimidation to control others. Sloop, 57, did not dispute those allegations on the second and final day of his trial before a panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Proseccutors for the commission want Sloop kicked off the bench.
Psychologist Deborah Day, who was hired by prosecutors, was the only health professional to test Sloop for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Day said he probably does suffer from ADHD, but Day testified that he has a bigger problem: anger management. He has an undercurrent of “hostility that rarely subsides,” she wrote , “and he appears ready to deprecate anyone who challenges his dominance or beliefs.” Her most damaging conclusion was that if Sloop were left on the bench, he likely would act out again. This is the fourth time Sloop has been in trouble with the commission. Each earlier time, he promised to cause no more problems.