The Supreme Court has ordered the dismissal of a fugitive Naga City, Camarines Sur judge, who is also facing sexual abuse charges, for grave misconduct.

In a statement, the SC Public Information Office said the tribunal dismissed Judge Jaime Contreras, Presiding Judge of Naga City, Camarines Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 25. The dismissal stemmed from an administrative rap filed before the Office of the Court Administrator in 2014, over allegations of sexual molestation and rape.

The judge is also facing three counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and eight counts of acts of lasciviousness and violation of the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act or Republic Act 7610.

The Daet, Camarines Norte RTC Branch 41 has issued orders of warrant of arrest against Contreras, "but he has evaded arrest for several years now,"  the SC PIO added.

"The Court forfeited all benefits of Judge Contreras, except his accrued leave credits. He was also banned for employment in any public office. It also referred the case to the Office of the Bar Confidant for the purpose of initiating disbarment proceedings,"  it also said.

The SC PIO said that the complainant reported the first molestation in 1994. This later became more frequent and worse. In 2004, the respondent judge brought the victim to a motel and raped her. This also happened several times.

Contreras also supposedly took naked photos of the victim and threatened to spread these if she disclosed the incidents. The photos however leaked, and the victim finally decided to file complaints in July 2014.

While the SC refrained from making any pronouncements on the pending criminal cases before the Camarines Norte court, it held that Contreras has committed grave misconduct by evading arrest. 

The SC en banc held: "We find that respondent's refusal to follow lawful orders and evasion of arrest are glaring proofs of his disinterest to remain in the Judiciary."