The Gambling Judge of Port Townsend
A state legislative committee moves to impeach Superior Court Judge Morris B. Sachs after reports surface of him frequenting saloons, playing faro, and ruling on cases involving family members.
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The Washington state legislative committee appointed to investigate charges against Morris B. Sachs, a Superior Court judge for Jefferson, Island, Kitsap, San Juan, and Clallam counties, has presented a damning report. After hearing testimony from twenty-six witnesses and reviewing court records in Port Townsend, the committee concluded that Judge Sachs repeatedly engaged in gambling games, specifically faro, at local saloons such as 'The Reception.' The report alleges Sachs demeaned his office by consorting with common gamblers, violating his oath, and exhibiting malfeasance. Additionally, the committee found he purchased merchandise from a court-ordered sheriff's sale using his own promissory note, and presided over a case involving his own relative, Henry Landes, a bank president. The judiciary committee has declared the facts sufficient to warrant removal, and the legislature is now determining whether to proceed with impeachment or a joint resolution to remove him from the bench.
“The conduct disqualified the said Morris B. Sachs from discharging the duties of his said office faithfully and impartially, to the great disgrace of the administration of public justice.”
Public corruption in Washington courts is as old as the state itself. While the 1891 charges against Judge Sachs—gambling and conflict of interest—might seem quaint compared to modern influence-peddling, the fundamental struggle to hold the judiciary accountable remains a recurring civic battle in Seattle and beyond.
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