California Judge Accused of Killing His Wife Still Earns Nearly $250K Salary While in Jail
A California judge facing accusations of murdering his wife continues to receive a salary of nearly $250,000, even though he is currently incarcerated. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, is accused of killing his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, last year in Anaheim Hills. He faces multiple felony charges, including felony murder, following the fatal shooting on August 3, 2023.
Ferguson is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles County. He was initially released on a $1 million bail but returned to jail after allegedly lying about consuming alcohol while awaiting trial.
Despite his legal troubles, Ferguson earned over $220,000 in salary in 2023, along with an additional $22,000 in benefits, according to The Orange County Register. This total compensation continues even after the accusations of murder surfaced.
He faces serious charges that include felony enhancements for the personal use of a firearm and discharging a firearm resulting in great bodily injury and death. If convicted on all counts, he could face 40 years to life in prison.
Ferguson has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but prosecutors claim he confessed to the shooting in text messages to his court clerk and bailiff. In these messages, he reportedly said, “I just shot my wife. I won’t be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I’m so sorry.”
According to prosecutors, the incident unfolded after an argument at a restaurant. Upon returning home, the couple continued to argue, and Ferguson allegedly pulled a gun from his ankle holster, shooting his wife in the chest. Their adult son stated that his father was intoxicated at the time.
The reason Ferguson continues to receive his salary is rooted in the California Constitution, which specifies that a judge facing felony charges is disqualified from serving but does not lose their salary. A judge can only be suspended without pay after a felony conviction.
