District Court Judge Ovalles excused from court duties as misconduct investigation unfolds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — District Court Judge Rafael A. Ovalles has been excused from his duties pending a hearing by the Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline into allegations that he violated the canons of judicial ethics and engaged in conduct that brought his office into serious disrepute by sexually harassing a female court clerk and abusing court staff, lawyers and the public. District Court Chief Judge Jeanne E. [...]