The Missouri Supreme Court has suspended Associate Circuit Judge Joe Don McGaugh, of Carroll County, without pay for one year following an investigation by the Commission on the Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges.

McGaugh, who was appointed in 2017, was issued a notice in August 2024 of 12 counts alleging he violated multiple provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct and his actions constitute misconduct and incompetency warranting discipline
under article V, section 24.3 of the Missouri Constitution. McGaugh admitted to all of the allegations in his response and in a stipulation and waiver he submitted to the Commission.

The commission found that McGaugh’s misconduct directly “harmed multiple parties, among them some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens, including families and children; those facing financial difficulties; and those seeking orders of protection.” The 12 counts McGaugh admitted to include time-sensitive cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, minor guardianship, paternity, and orders of protection.

The Commission recommended six-month suspension for McGaugh, however, the Court believes the facts and circumstances of this case warrant harsher discipline to maintain the standards of judicial fitness. McGaugh’s suspension goes into effect March 1, 2025.

You can view the factual background of this case, including information on each count and allegation, as well as opinions from multiple judges here.