The elderly exploitation case against former Broward Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin will be overseen by a judge in Palm Beach County.
Broward Chief Circuit Judge Victor Tobin asked the Florida Supreme Court last month to appoint an outside judge to preside over the civil case to avoid "the appearance of impropriety." Broward Circuit Judge Thomas Lynch IV had been presiding over the case filed by Seidlin’s elderly neighbor Barbara Mumford Kasler.
Chief Justice Peggy Quince entered an order last week moving the case to Palm Beach Circuit Judge David Hafele.
Kasler sued Seidlin and his family, claiming they exploited her frail state and swindled her out of several hundred thousand dollars in real estate, furniture, electronics and school tuition. Last month, Kasler amended the complaint to add a slew of lawyer and accountant defendants who should have protected her interests but instead are accused of taking advantage of her for personal gain and helping the Seidlins.
Tobin’s request noted Seidlin served on the Broward bench for nearly three decades and he was being sued for alleged impropriety during his time on the bench.
"If you recall he was the Anna Nicole Smith judge," Tobin wrote, alluding to Seidlin presiding over the high-profile body custody case of the late Playboy Playmate. Tobin noted Seidlin’s father-in-law, who is also a defendant, served as a Broward court deputy.
In an interview, Tobin said he gave the case serious consideration and "thought it best that a judge from outside the circuit be appointed to hear" the case.
