An Illinois judge, Robert Adrian, has been removed from the bench by the Illinois Courts Commission after being found guilty of engaging in multiple instances of misconduct. The removal followed a hearing in Chicago in November regarding a case involving the reversal of a rape conviction of 18-year-old Drew Clinton for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl during a graduation party in May 2021.

The state Judicial Inquiry Board filed a complaint against Judge Adrian after he threw out Clinton's conviction in January 2022, citing that the days Clinton spent in jail were punishment enough. Despite facing potential sanctions such as reprimand or suspension without pay, the commission decided to immediately remove Adrian from his position in Adams County, western Illinois.

The victim, identified as Cameron Vaughan, expressed shock at the judge's decision to reverse the conviction, vowing to seek justice. Judge Adrian's comments during the sentencing hearing and his controversial statements about the case sparked outrage in Quincy, Illinois, and beyond, with the prosecutor expressing sympathy for the victim.

Following Adrian's removal from the bench, Vaughan expressed relief and satisfaction, stating that she was glad the commission recognized the misconduct and lies that the judge had perpetuated. Adrian maintained that his actions were just and that he had always told the truth about the case.

Adams County court records revealed that Clinton's guilty verdict was overturned due to prosecutors failing to meet the burden of proof. However, the commission found Adrian's justifications for the reversal to be deceptive and lacking merit, describing them as a post hoc attempt to justify his decision.

As part of the commission's decision, Clinton cannot be retried for the same crime under the Fifth Amendment, and a motion to expunge his record was denied in February 2023. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding judicial integrity and ensuring justice for victims of sexual assault.