Why This Website Exists: A Personal Account of Judicial Misconduct in Carrollton
The creation of this website was inspired in large part by my experiences with Associate Judge Joe Don McGaugh, whose actions on the bench have raised serious concerns about fairness and impartiality in Carrollton and Carroll County, Missouri.
In my own case, Judge McGaugh dismissed my petition for injunctive relief with prejudice — even though there was a pending motion that had not yet been ruled on. This occurred just prior to his removal from the bench for what I understand to be judicial misconduct. To me, this was not just a procedural issue, but an example of what appears to be a broader pattern of questionable conduct borne from cronyism.
The defendant in my case, Lonnie Sensenich — who serves as the fire chief in Carrollton — is reportedly a personal friend of McGaugh. While I can’t prove favoritism, the connection is troubling and raises legitimate questions about conflicts of interest. Joe Don McGaugh ought to have recused himself.
Around the same time, a Facebook acquaintance of mine had his criminal theft case expunged under McGaugh’s watch. One day the case was on record; the next, it had vanished. While some may view this as routine, others could reasonably perceive it as preferential treatment.
I’m a proud supporter of the Constitution and the rule of law — and I align with the MAGA movement because I believe in accountability, transparency, and draining the swamp wherever it exists. If the judiciary is to be respected, it must operate above personal relationships, favoritism, and political gamesmanship.
This site is not about hate or threats. It’s about transparency, reform, and giving the people of Carroll County a voice. Judge McGaugh’s conduct, in my view, runs contrary to the values many of us hold dear — regardless of party affiliation.
We the people have a right — and a responsibility — to hold public officials accountable, especially those entrusted with interpreting and enforcing the law.
What Must Happen:
- Judge Joe Don McGaugh must not be allowed to return to the bench in any capacity.
- All cases involving clear conflicts of interest should be independently reviewed and re-adjudicated, where appropriate.
- Judge McGaugh should be held accountable — both professionally and civilly — for harm caused by any abuse of authority while in office.
Finally, it has been reported that Judge McGaugh cited mental health as a factor in his removal. While mental health issues are serious and deserving of compassion, they should never be used as a shield to excuse or diminish the consequences of public misconduct. Accountability is essential — not only for public trust, but for the integrity of those who truly suffer from mental illness and deserve to be taken seriously.