Ex-RI chief judge won't hear new cases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Frank Williams, who's been caught in the middle of a controversial divorce case, asked the Court not to assign him any new cases for the time being.

“The events surrounding the family court matter are personal in nature, but the media accounts are causing an unwarranted and unnecessary distraction for the court,” Williams stated. “The welfare of the judiciary has always been extremely important to me. I do not want it adversely affected by personal and collateral matters.”

Williams is referring to the divorce case between his former driver, Pamela DosReis, and her husband Frank.

Frank DosReis has accused the judge, who is married himself, of being overly involved in the life of the couple's 6-year-old daughter.

During court proceedings it was revealed Williams, who is the girl's godfather, paid for her school tuition at St. Mary-Bay View Academy; often spent the night at the family's home; and bought the family several gifts.

Both Williams and DosReis have denied a romantic relationship.

Williams said he hopes his decision will give the DosReis family more privacy.

“This is a very difficult time for the family, and I hope that their privacy will be respected," Williams said in a written statement.

Williams retired as Chief Justice last December. However, at the court's request, he stayed on to hear cases on an interim basis.

Current Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell said Williams is doing what's best for the Court.

"There’s no question that this matter had become a distraction,” Chief Justice Suttell said. “It is clearly in the best interests of the Judiciary that the former Chief Justice be relieved of judicial responsibilities at this time,” Suttell said in a statement.

Williams will continue to deliberate on cases he's already heard.