(Warwick, RI) -- The hearing process into a disciplinary investigation against a Rhode Island District Court judge is underway. The Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline heard opening statements yesterday and accusations against Judge Raphael Ovalles of sexual harassment, failure to maintain professional dignity and abusive treatment. Ovalles' defense team claims the allegations are fabricated by clerks and attorneys who disapprove of how Ovalles runs his courtroom. Ovalles has been relieved from his duties with pay since December 2015.