Topeka ? A municipal court judge who was scrutinized for her oversight of the court has announced her resignation.

Elsbeth Schafer, the court’s administrator, came under fire in the fall when it became known the court was owed at least $4 million from lawbreakers. A city councilman said he’d likely pursue her ouster if she didn’t resign.

“The current political climate makes it untenable for me to continue as the administrative judge,” Schafer wrote in her resignation letter to Mayor James McClinton on Friday.

Steve Ebberts, the court’s associate judge, was named Schafer’s replacement by the mayor; the appointment requires the approval of the council.

In October, the council learned the city was conducting an audit involving the court. Questions also were raised about the possibility that Schafer’s husband and daughter were given preferential treatment in the court.

City Atty. Brenden Long acknowledged traffic tickets given to members of Schafer’s family were handled unusually, but he said there was no evidence the court administrator was responsible.

City Councilman John Alcala acquired 2,544 pages of municipal court records, searching for evidence of preferential treatment; he hasn’t said what his findings were.

Alcala planned to propose Schafer’s firing had she not quit.

McClinton said Schafer would be placed on paid administrative leave until her resignation is effective Dec. 17.