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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 Samuel Swanberg

CJC No. 10717-F-209

September 6, 2024

The Commission conducted a public hearing on allegations that Judge Samuel Swanberg, formerly of the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court, violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The hearing panel found that Judge Swanberg engaged in physically violent and emotionally abusive behavior over decades of his marriage and that he later harassed and stalked a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. The panel found that Judge Swanberg admitted to being dishonest; that he engaged in an ongoing pattern of manipulative conduct; and used the tools and prestige of judicial office for his personal benefit. As an aggravating factor, the Commission panel found that the judge made multiple public statements to decry and denigrate the Commission’s constitutionally-mandated proceeding; and declined to participate in the hearing process to the extent that he could. The panel imposed a Censure with a recommendation to the State Supreme Court that Judge Swanberg be disqualified from future service in judicial office.

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.