A Washington Supreme Court decision has permanently removed David Ruzumna from his role as a King County District Court pro tem judge after he admitted to forging an official document to obtain a $10 parking discount at Seattle's Goat Hill Garage. The court's unanimous ruling, delivered Thursday (April 9), followed a 2023 incident in which Ruzumna used a forged employment verification letter, complete with another judge’s signature stamp and the official court seal, to falsely claim eligibility for a county employee parking rate.

Ruzumna—who operates a private law practice and owns a $1.4 million home in Seattle—tried several times to convince parking attendants he was entitled to the discount, including by showing his judicial robe. As a pro tem, or temporary, judge, he did not qualify for the benefit, a fact explained to him multiple times by parking staff.

The forged document, dated February 16, 2023, stated Ruzumna was employed by the King County District Court and was signed with Judge Rebecca Robertson’s stolen signature stamp and the official court seal. The attempt failed when the garage manager refused the letter and reported it, prompting a human resources investigation.

The Washington Supreme Court’s opinion cited Ruzumna’s "lack of integrity and judgment," noting that his explanations changed throughout the disciplinary process. The court rejected his claim that the document was a "joke" covered in random stamps, finding this contradicted testimony and photographic evidence.

Judge Lisa O'Toole from the King County Court’s executive committee called Ruzumna’s actions "shocking, to say the least," emphasizing that the primary issue was not the discount itself but rather the misuse of the court’s authority and trust. Judge Robertson, whose signature was used without permission, said she was "confused," "shocked," and "incredulous" upon learning about the forgery.

Ruzumna, a lawyer of nearly 30 years, continues to operate his law firm, focusing on real estate, business, and criminal defense.

Podcasts