Judge’s vape escape
City: Hey, maybe he didn’t inhale
The judge caught repeatedly vaping in court on Wednesday appeared to be jonesing for a fix a day later, as he fidgeted and chomped on gum rather than puffing his pen.
The Post spied Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice taking surreptitious rips from his vaporizer — which under state law is illegal indoors — during the murder trial of accused “Brooklyn Ripper” Daniel St. Hubert.
He should have faced a $1,000 fine under the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act — which was expanded in 2017 to cover vaporizers.
But the city’s Health Department is refusing to charge him, claiming that photos showing him holding the device do not prove he inhaled.
“Our inspectors need to witness a violation in order to issue a summons,” agency spokeswoman Stephanie Buhle said.
“A photo isn’t sufficient. However, we will treat your inquiry as a complaint, which our inspectors will look into.”
Del Giudice will, however, have to answer to an administrative judge for his lawbreaking, according to a rep from the Office of Court Administration.
“We were unaware of the situation and it will be addressed,” said agency spokesman Lucian Chalfen. “He will be spoken to by the administrative judge for the criminal term in Brooklyn.”
Any ensuing punishment will depend on the administrative judge’s ruling. OCA had not yet set a date for the hearing.
Del Giudice, who chewed gum and fidgeted with pens during several hours of closing statements Thursday, declined to comment.