Prince George's Judge Is Taken Off Bench

Of Palumbo's reassignment, Michael David Haynesworth, Cade's cousin, said: "This doesn't renew our faith in the system, but at least we know it's being looked at very seriously. The sad part is we're giving him a vacation; he's still getting paid.

"I'm pleased for anybody who would have to plead their case before him. It doesn't matter what kind of case it is. He has no compassion to humanity."

On Oct. 10, according to county police and prosecutors, Roger B. Hargrave walked into a T-Mobile store in Clinton where Cade, his estranged wife, worked. Hargrave allegedly doused Cade with gasoline and set her on fire.

Cade, 31, suffered third-degree burns, the most serious level, on her torso and face. She is still hospitalized in critical condition and needs about 40 more surgeries before her condition can be upgraded, her relatives said.

Hargrave, 33, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault. He is jailed without bond.

Last week, Palumbo, through his attorney, said he intended to keep Cade's protective order in place and blamed the dismissal on a clerical error.

Thurman H. Rhodes, chief District Court judge in Prince George's, disagreed, saying there was no clerical error.

The February speeding ticket was not Palumbo's first.

On Feb. 23, 2004, he was cited by a Charles County sheriff's deputy for driving 59 mph in a 50-mph zone. He pleaded guilty and paid a $65 fine.

In November 2001, Palumbo was cited by Prince George's police for failing to remain at the scene of an accident after the car he was driving hit the back of a shuttle bus in Upper Marlboro. Palumbo told the bus driver he was "Judge Palumbo" and walked to the county courthouse.

Palumbo was found not guilty of leaving the scene of an accident but was fined $100 for speeding, his attorney said.