Judge's robe goes missing

A Municipal Court judge was left a little underdressed yesterday after his judicial robe was stolen while he went to the men's room.

Ruling of the day? It's still a tough town.

Judge Joseph C. Waters Jr. said the robe was taken from a robing room in the Criminal Justice Center, at 13th and Filbert streets, after he stepped out for a moment. He said he'd left the door unlocked.

An email was circulated to judges and courthouse staff just after 1 p.m. yesterday, asking that people look out for the missing garment and return it if found.

A call to the president judge's office, where the email originated, was not returned.

Waters, a former police captain, was appointed to finish out another judge's term in 2009 before winning election later that year.

Replacing the robe won't come cheap. On www. judicialrobesonline.com, robes range from $189.90 to $371.90. Their styles include a hanger and bag - but not a lock.