Chicago law clerk is fired after posing as judge

CHICAGO (AP) - A law clerk running unopposed for a judgeship has been fired after she was accused of donning a robe and taking the bench in a Chicago courtroom to hear some minor traffic cases.

Chief Judge Timothy Evans' office said in a statement Tuesday that Rhonda Crawford was no longer employed by the Cook County Circuit Court.

Allegations surfaced earlier this month that Judge Valarie E. Turner allowed Crawford to preside over two recent cases. Evans then announced that Turner was removed from the bench indefinitely and that Crawford was suspended

County prosecutors are investigating to determine if a crime was committed.

Steven Lubet, an expert in legal and judicial ethics, has said Crawford could still take the bench if she wins November's election.

Crawford hasn't responded to a message seeking comment.