CNY judge resigns after admitting to improper unemployment benefits claim

A judge in Central New York has resigned after admitting to receiving nearly $14,000 in unemployment benefits improperly. Kevin E. Copeland, a justice in New Hartford, paid back the money. The state Department of Labor found that Copeland made false statements and hid information about his judge salary. He was served with a formal complaint in July. As part of his resignation, Copeland agreed to never serve as a judge again.