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Ethics Report: Mass. Judge Violated Conflict Law

Department of Industrial Accidents Judge Cheryl Jacques is facing allegations she violated Massachusetts' conflict-of-interest law by trying to get her brother-in-law's dental bill erased.

The State Ethics Commission leveled the charges Monday against Jacques, a former Democratic state senator appointed to the judgeship in 2008 by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The Ethics Commission alleges that in 2010, Jacques contacted the office of her brother-in-law's dentist, identified herself as a judge, and demanded they write off a balance of more than $1,000.

When the office refused to forgive the entire bill, Jacques allegedly threatened to contact the insurance company to have the dental office removed as a provider.

A call to Jacques' office was not returned Monday.

The conflict-of-interest law prohibits state employees from using their positions to get unwarranted privileges.

This program aired on March 12, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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