Overview
- Judge Robert A. Welsh III was arraigned Thursday, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on personal recognizance with a pretrial hearing set for July.
- He faces a felony count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 and a misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a family or household member.
- Investigators say the alleged victim described two incidents, one in May 2021 in Las Vegas and a second in January in Sandwich, and showed prosecutors photos of bruising from the Sandwich incident; the current charges relate only to the Sandwich allegation.
- The state Supreme Judicial Court placed Welsh on administrative duty so he is still paid but not hearing cases, and Suffolk County prosecutors are handling the prosecution to avoid conflicts with local authorities.
- Prosecutors asked for conditions on his release and secured a limited protective order for civilian business information, and the case could prompt further judicial or disciplinary review as it moves through the courts.