Court Docs Allege Orleans Judge Was Physically Abusive, Intoxicated On Job

 ORLEANS – Orleans District Court’s top judge is due to be arraigned next month on charges of assault and battery.

 Robert A. Welsh III will be arraigned June 11 in Brighton Municipal Court on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over the age of 60 and assault and battery on a family or household member.

 According to court documents, the charges stem from separate incidents in May 2021 and January 2026. In May 2021, it is alleged that Welsh threw a woman to the ground and left the scene to meet with mutual friends while on vacation in Las Vegas, Nev.

 In the second alleged incident from January, the same woman told authorities that she was “physically assaulted” in Sandwich by Welsh, whom she said “grabbed her by the arms so tightly that she had to bite him to get him to let go.” She also alleged that Welsh, in the same incident, “kicked her in the vagina while wearing a shoe.”

 According to the police report, photographs showing bruising and swelling to the woman’s arm and genitals were provided to authorities.

 During an interview with Cape and Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois, an assistant district attorney and a state police unit commander on May 6, the woman alleged that Welsh “appeared intoxicated” in both incidents. She also alleged that Welsh “was often intoxicated and would show up to work hungover,” adding that he was “easily aggravated” when drinking alcohol. She also said that Welsh consistently told her that he was “untouchable” because he was a judge.

 Massachusetts State Police Detective Lieutenant Kevin MacDermott wrote in the conclusion of his report that he found probable cause to charge Welsh based on his “training and experience, witness statements and photographs observed.”

 Welsh, a Sandwich resident, was first appointed to the bench in Orleans by then-Governor Mitt Romney in 2006. He was preceded on the Orleans bench by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Prior to his appointment, he spent 14 years as a prosecutor in the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office. Danielle Whitney, spokesperson for Cape and Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois, said last week that the case is being prosecuted in Brighton to avoid any conflict of interest.

Erika Gully-Santiago, a spokesperson for the state’s Supreme Judicial Court, said that Welsh was placed on “administrative duty” May 11.

 “He is not hearing cases while the matter is pending,” she said. “He is being paid. His administrative duties are not in Orleans.” She did not elaborate on what Welsh’s “administrative duties” are.
 Attempts to reach Welsh’s attorney, Daniel O’Malley, for comment were unsuccessful.

Email Ryan Bray at ryan@capecodchronicle.com