A Central Valley judge is being accused of trying to establish what officials call a "closer relationship" with his clerk.
Tulare County Superior Court Judge Valeriano Saucedo could be thrown off the bench.
Formal proceedings have started against him by the california commission on judicial performance – accusing him of willful misconduct in office.
The formal notice presented to the judge says he gave his court clerk a number of gifts – including a $15,000 car, thousands of dollars in cash, a trip to Disneyland, and a AAA membership.
Evidence is set to be presented at a hearing before the commission decides whether the charges have been proven.
Punishment can range from privately disciplining the judge to removing him completely from office.
The Superior Court themselves have refused to comment on the proceedings.
