A Central Florida circuit judge who is set to go on trial before a judicial ethics panel in August has resigned.
Judge Linda Schoonover stepped down from her position Tuesday. Michelle Kennedy, public information officer for the 18th Judicial Circuit, said Schoonover sent her letter of resignation for Gov. Rick Scott on Monday.
Judge Linda Schoonover has submitted her official resignation to the Gov., effective Aug. 31, 2015.
— Michelle Kennedy (@PIOFLCourts18) May 27, 2015
Last year, the Judicial Qualifications Commission charged Schoonover with ethics violations, stating her actions were "bizarre" and "disruptive."
Officials said the judge was facing the prospect of being thrown out of office amid a wide-ranging series of misconduct allegations.
A Winter Springs woman said Schoonover retaliated against her in a divorce case because she refused the judge's friend request on Facebook. The state's Judicial Qualifications Commission accused Schoonover of lacking professional competence of behavior that was inexplicable, disruptive and repeatedly expressed paranoia.
Russell Hershkowitz, a family attorney in Seminole County, said he is one of several attorneys who had to get an administrative order to prevent Schoonover from presiding over his cases.
"A lot of attorneys have been subpoenaed to testify before the (Judicial Qualifications Commission), and I am, too, yes," Hershkowitz said. "Therefore, I don't think that I can comment any further."
The judge is also accused of believing her office was bugged and installed her own video camera to record movements of others.
Schoonover was elected circuit judge in 2010 in the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers Seminole and Brevard counties.
Her letter of resignation takes effect Aug. 31.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.