Hearing set for Baltimore judge who allegedly made sexual advances on lawyer

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The Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities will hold a hearing to consider findings against a Baltimore City District Court judge who allegedly made sexual advances on a female lawyer.

The commission will conduct a public hearing on its findings against Judge Kevin M. Wilson on May 20 and May 21 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Maryland Appellate Court in Annapolis.

The Senate Executive Nominations Committee, at the request of the Maryland Governor’s Appointments Office, struck Wilson’s name from the committee’s nominations list on Jan. 29.

Sen. Clarence Lam, vice chair of the Senate Executive Nominations Committee, said the request from the Governor’s Appointments Office did not specify the reason for the strike of Wilson’s name, and the office does not have to provide a reason for the request.

A spokesperson for the Governor’s Appointments Office said the office became aware of the complaint against Wilson on Jan. 26 and therefore “the decision was made to hold his nomination for reappointment from moving forward and it remains under review.”

The commission previously found Wilson allegedly touched a female attorney’s leg “in an up and down movement” at a Bar Association of Baltimore City continuing legal education event in May 2023, with two other attorneys reporting they saw Wilson’s behavior.

The document outlining the commission’s findings said witnesses reported that Wilson moved his hand away, but the female attorney reported she subsequently felt Wilson “place his hand back on her leg and move it under her skirt” and touch her buttocks.

Wilson contends he “perceived” his encounter with the female attorney “as reciprocal flirtation.” Wilson stated he touched the attorney’s ankle, calf and lower hamstring, and “formed a genuine belief that their interactions were mutual and welcomed.”

Counsel for Wilson deferred Tuesday to Wilson’s response to the commission’s findings and declined to comment on whether Wilson has plans to resign from the bench.

If, after the hearing, the commission finds the judge has committed sanctionable conduct, it can refer the case to the Maryland Supreme Court for possible disciplinary action.

Wilson has served on the bench since September 2013, when then-Gov. Martin O’Malley appointed him as associate judge for the Baltimore City District Court.

Wilson began practicing law in 2000 as an assistant state’s attorney in Baltimore.