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Arkansas judge suspended for leaking details of Charlize Theron's adoption

Circuit Judge Michael Maggio of Conway, Ark., admitted to leaking information about the actress' adoption process, which was handled by another judge, on a sports website under the username geauxjudge.

By Veronica Linares
Charlize Theron. UPI/Jim Ruymen
1 of 5 | Charlize Theron. UPI/Jim Ruymen | License Photo

CONWAY, Ark., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A state judge who admitted to revealing information regarding the adoption of Charlize Theron's son Jackson in 2012 has been removed from office.

Circuit Judge Michael Maggio of Conway, Ark., admitted to leaking information about the actress' adoption process, which was handled by another judge, on a sports website under the username geauxjudge. The judge also offered advice in the online forum on how to avoid driving drunk suspensions and suggested men caught in extramarital affairs deserve sympathy.

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After the investigation on Maggio began in March, the judge was allowed to retain his title and continue to receive his yearly $140,000 salary. Because adoption proceedings are sealed under Arkansas law, the Supreme Court rejected he be allowed to serve on suspension and be paid until his term ends in January. Maggio was also barred from holding any other judgeship in the state.

"This court concludes that immediate removal is the just and proper sanction for the judge's conduct," the Supreme Court's order stated.

Per the information given by Maggio, Theron adopted her son Jackson in January of 2012. The actress introduced her son in a number of interviews in May of that year and revealed she had adopted him.

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The 39-year-old actress came under fire earlier this year for telling Sky News that press intrusion in celebrities lives was the equivalent of being raped.

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