CJC No. 13555-F-219
June 26, 2026
From an agreed statement of facts, Spokane County District Court Judge Jennifer Fassbender stipulated that she violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2 of the Code of Judicial Conduct and Criminal Rule for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (CrRLJ) Rule 8.9(c). During a criminal probationary hearing, Judge Fassbender recused herself, but then issued several orders in the case. Judge Fassbender was cooperative with the Commission’s investigation and has accepted responsibility for the inappropriate conduct. The Commission admonished Judge Fassbender and ordered her to promptly read the Code, complete training in the laws and procedures regarding disqualification and recusal, and meet regularly with a mentor judge to discuss disqualification and recusal issues.
Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Admonishment filed 6/26/2026.
CJC No. 12986-F-217
April 24, 2026
From an agreed statement of facts, King County District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai stipulated that he violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rules 2.3(A) and 2.8(B), of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Masaniai violated the Code by initiating an inappropriate personal relationship with a court clerk that included unsolicited communications about personal matters via phone and text message and unwanted hugging, without regard to the power differential between a judge and member of court staff. The Commission reprimanded Judge Masaniai and ordered him to complete remedial training focused on sexual harassment and gender dynamics and review the Code.
Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Reprimand filed 4/24/2026.
CJC No. 13527-F-218
April 24, 2026
From an agreed statement of facts, Kitsap County Superior Court Commissioner Lynn Fleischbein stipulated that she violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rule 2.5, of the Code of Judicial Conduct by failing to issue timely decisions in two matters pending before her. Commissioner Fleischbein accepted responsibility for the delays, but provided information regarding care of a family member and court assignments that she identified as contributing to the delays. The Commission admonished Commissioner Fleischbein and ordered her to promptly read the Code.
Corrected Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Admonishment filed 6/26/2026.
Certificate of Completion and Order filed 6/26/2026.
Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Admonishment filed 4/24/2026.