On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Daily Voice reported that the Peekskill Common Council in Northern Westchester appointed Sophia Trott as the new City Court Judge, following the resignation of her predecessor, Reginald J. Johnson. Johnson stepped down on September 30, 2024, after facing formal charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding inappropriate conduct.

The commission’s charges included allegations that Johnson had made sexual remarks to staff and attorneys on multiple occasions and had improperly dismissed traffic tickets due to personal relationships. Additionally, he was accused of engaging in unauthorized discussions with a government official about a pending criminal case without the presence of all involved parties.

In a statement after her selection, Trott expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating she felt “excited and humbled” by the opportunity to serve as a judge in Peekskill. She emphasized her commitment to the community and her desire to positively impact the lives of those who come before her in court.

Trott brings a wealth of legal experience to her new position. She is the founder of the Law Office of Sophia L. Trott, P.C., located in Mount Vernon, where her practice encompasses areas such as real estate transactions, landlord-tenant disputes, civil litigation related to family law, and estate planning. Her firm also provides legal services to both for-profit and non-profit religious organizations.

Before establishing her firm, Trott held the position of managing partner at Bozeman, Trott & Savage LLP. Her professional background includes serving as the former president of the Westchester Black Bar Association and as a member of the Mount Vernon Planning Board and the Board of the Westchester Legal Aid Society. Trott earned her law degree from Cardozo Law School.

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie praised Trott’s legal expertise and her dedication to community service, calling her the ideal candidate for the position. The mayor and the council expressed support for Trott as she embarks on this new chapter in her judicial career.

 

 

Source: Daily Voice