Judge Matthew Gary of Sacramento; ethical misfit

The state of California presented Matthew James Gary with a law license in 1989 after he graduated from McGeorge School of Law at the University of Pacific.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was duped into appointing Matthew as a judge on the Sacramento County Superior Court in 2006. Matthew didn’t receive the appointment because he was the most qualifed attorney in the LA area. He received it because he had proven to be a reliable lackey for the local political hacks.

In one matter, Judge Gary was driving his Toyota pickup truck in Sacramento when he hit a bicycle being ridden by Margaret Bengs, 66, who died the next day. (Brad Branan, Sacramento Bee)

A spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that it appeared that Ms. Bengs was at fault because she wasn’t wearing a helmet. However, a witness who remained with Bengs until she was taken to the hospital said she was in fact wearing a helmet. In addition, family members said she had two helmets among her belongings at the hospital.

Despite these inconsistencies as to Bengs wearing a helmet, the Highway Patrol has not taken any actions against Judge Gary. Apparently, since he’s a judge he is being given the usual “Judicial Courtesy” by the patrol. In other words, Judges are held to a much lower standard of conduct then everyone else in California.

For an official of the Highway Patrol to state that Ms. Bengs was at fault for her own death because she wasn’t wearing a helmet doesn’t pass the involuntary laugh test. The cause of her death was being hit by Judge Cary’s pickup truck.

This appears to be yet another fine example of law enforcement providing special perks for a Judicial Misfit.

As we speak (ca. December 2015), Judge Gary continues to sit as a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge in Sacramento, Calfiornia.