This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A December trial has been scheduled for a Millard County Justice Court judge accused of exposing himself to an undercover police officer in a Salt Lake City park restroom.
Ronald R. Hare, 63, didn't say anything during a short pretrial conference Monday afternoon in Salt Lake City Justice Court.
But his new attorney, Justin Ashworth, asked Judge L.G. Cutler for a continuance so he could review evidence in the case. Cutler denied the request, saying the case was already four months old and Hare had previously been granted a continuance. The request also had the appearance of delaying the case until after Tuesday's election, Cutler said. "I'm required to ensure the integrity of the judicial practice and the judicial code," Cutler said.
Hare is on the November ballot for retention as a justice court judge and received a recommendation for retention from the Judicial Council in February, before his arrest.
According to police reports, Hare entered a men's restroom at Glendale Park on the evening of July 9 and masturbated at one of the urinals for about two minutes. While doing so, Hare allegedly tried several times to get a glimpse of the man's genitals who was standing at the next urinal. That man turned out to be an undercover vice squad officer.
Hare was issued a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor, and released.
Hare has presided over the Millard County Justice Court's east precinct since 1979. Utah Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham placed Hare on paid leave Sept. 17 after court officials first learned of the citation.
Hare left the court Monday with his wife by his side. Hare and his attorney declined to comment on the case.