State of Washington Seal

State of Washington

Activity - Public Actions 2024



Public actions are cases that have reached a conclusion. The Commisson posts the most pertinent documents for each case on this website, but other public document may exist and are available upon request.

To view public cases that are currently open, see the Open Cases section of this website.

You may also search for cases against an individual judge.

Cases closed in the year

In re the Honorable Thomas Brown

CJC No. 11478-F-212

April 19, 2024

From an agreed statement of facts, former Ferry County District Court Judge Thomas D. Brown stipulated that he violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rules 2.3(B) and 2.8(B), of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Brown violated the Code by making comments to an African-American litigant that were impatient, undignified and discourteous and appeared to demonstrate bias. The Commission censured former Judge Brown who resigned from the Bar and agreed to never serve in judicial office in the future.

In re the Honorable Jennifer Cruz

CJC No. 11705-F-211

April 19, 2024

From an agreed statement of facts, Issaquah Municipal Court Part-Time Judge Jennifer Cruz stipulated that she violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rule 2.8(A) & (B), of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Cruz violated the Code by directing a profane comment at a defendant during an arraignment hearing. Prior to contacting the Commission, Part-Time Judge Cruz indicated her remorse and completed multiple training courses in handling stress and interacting with difficult people. The Commission admonished Judge Cruz and ordered her to promptly read the Code.