Judge John Rowley: A Lenient and Compassionate Leader in Tompkins County’s Justice System
ITHACA, N.Y. – After serving for 23 years as the Tompkins County Judge, John Rowley has decided to step down from his position. With his resignation taking effect on March 1, Rowley leaves behind a legacy of compassion and progress in the local court system. One of his notable achievements was the establishment of the county’s first drug court in collaboration with former Judge Judy Rossiter in 1998. This specialized court program offers defendants the opportunity to undergo long-term treatment with court supervision instead of facing jail time, aligning with the goal of creating trauma-informed … Read more