SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE BRUCE GATTERMAN
RUSH COUNTY, KANSAS

In Case No. 2018-DM-000019, Judge Bruce Gatterman repeatedly denied motions that were supported by documented medical records, law enforcement reports, and sworn evidence of abuse and neglect along with child endangerment.
 
Additionally, I hold a recording from my children’s mother former employer, in which she stated that the mother told her: “He will never win in court because my family knows the judge.”
 
Specific examples of motions denied include:
 

• Medical Neglect & Abuse: Motions supported by Texas medical records and CPS involvement — including reports that the mother attempted to drown the children — were denied.

• Child Endangerment History: Despite the mother’s arrest and charge for providing alcohol and cigarettes to the children at ages five and six, Judge Gatterman described it as a “watershed” event and still awarded her residential custody.

• Criminal Association: A motion documenting that the mother resided with a boyfriend listed on Indiana’s Most Wanted was denied.

• Leaving Children Unattended: A motion supported by evidence that the children were left home alone as toddlers was denied.

• Bruises Documented by Police: Motions accompanied by Leander, Texas Police Department reports of bruising were denied.

• Severe Dental Neglect: Despite urgent medical findings requiring surgery under general anesthesia and a Texas dentist’s mandated CPS referral, Judge Gatterman denied the related motion.

• Denial of Parenting Time: Seventeen documented instances (under Judge Gatterman) where the mother failed to comply with court-ordered exchanges in Norman, Oklahoma were raised by motion; all were denied. Judge Bruce Gatterman ultimately Recused himself in 2021​