Known as “America’s nicest judge,” Frank Caprio won the hearts of many. One of many such cases drew attention after a traffic hearing involving a healthcare worker cited for a red-light violation resurfaced online. After reviewing the case and hearing the circumstances, Caprio ultimately dismissed the ticket following a recommendation from a police officer.

A 3:22-minute video of the hearing was posted on Judge Frank Caprio’s YouTube channel, which begins with the defendant identifying herself as Sally Moscat. She appeared in Rhode Island’s court for violating the traffic rule after she turned right at an intersection marked with a “right on red after stop” sign. The honorable judge began the hearing with warmth as he expressed relief about “miraculously” pronouncing the nurse’s name correctly.

He then asked her if she was a student, and the newly graduated Moscat replied that she worked at Rhode Island Hospital as a certified nursing assistant. The judge then asked her, “This is a sign that says right on red after stop. Did you stop?” In response to this, the woman attempted to excuse herself by admitting that she thought that there was a yield sign where she accidentally flouted the traffic rule. She said, “I believe I yielded.”

Caprio then questioned her explanation, pointing out that the sign clearly required drivers to stop first. “I was doing one of those fast turns,” she said, further adding that she was returning home after doing a grueling 16-hour shift. The jurist was surprised to know about her double shift and told her that he was going to review the explanation.

The video footage of the incident was then played in the court, and Moscat was again asked about her stance. She laughed it off, still maintaining that it was a “yield.” Judge Caprio then asked her sternly, “Who did you yield to? There was nobody coming,” and jokingly asked, “Were you yielding to the birds in the area?”

The CNA then explained that she saw the light turn yellow, and she tried to catch it before it turned red. She then quipped, “I didn’t think you would have the video but…,” and broke into laughter.

While the judge was surprised by Moscat’s assumption, Inspector Carey, who was the SWAT officer, rhetorically replied, “Surprise.” When the judge asked the officer about his opinion, he insisted that she “definitely went through the red light,” and the judge also declared her “guilty.”

However, after taking Moscat’s profession under consideration, the inspector and the judge agreed that she had “much harder job.” The judge then informed the nurse that the inspector served on the SWAT team and hailed him for protecting the community in an hour of need. He even insisted the nurse thank him for that, and she further expressed her appreciation for his service.  

Shortly afterward, Judge Caprio revealed that it was the inspector who had recommended that he dismiss the case, while praising him for balancing toughness with compassion.

Judge Caprio passed away in August 2025 at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.