On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts announced the acceptance of applications for a justice court judge position in Box Elder County. This vacancy arises following the resignation of Judge Kevin Christensen, who has faced serious legal charges.
Judge Christensen, who previously served in the Box Elder County Justice Court, resigned on March 10, 2025, amid allegations including two counts of enticing a minor using the internet. His resignation was officially acknowledged by Box Elder County, which stated that the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts has been informed of the vacancy and will oversee the selection process for a replacement.
The county’s announcement also confirmed that Christensen has been placed on administrative leave without pay by the Utah Supreme Court. The Utah Judicial Conduct Commission is reportedly considering an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his resignation. The situation has drawn attention not only due to the charges against Christensen but also because of his connection to another ongoing criminal investigation involving former Tremonton Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen, who faces multiple counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Reports indicate that both men may have had inappropriate relations, which are under FBI scrutiny.
In light of this vacancy, the application process for the new justice court judge has begun, with specific qualifications outlined. Candidates must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Utah for at least three years. Additionally, they must have obtained a law degree that qualifies them for bar admission in any state. Applicants must also reside in Box Elder County or an adjacent county by the time of their appointment or before they take the bench.
The deadline for submitting applications is set for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. Those interested in applying can find the necessary forms on the Utah State Courts website. The salary for the position ranges from $153,475 to $197,325 annually, with additional employment benefits including health insurance, wellness programs, a 401k contribution of 3%, and a pension through the Utah Retirement Systems.
Utah law mandates that the Judicial Nominating Commission must present at least three nominees to the Box Elder County Commission within 45 days of the initial meeting regarding this vacancy. Following this, the County Commission will have 30 days to select a finalist, whose appointment must then be certified by the Utah Judicial Council.
The Box Elder County judicial community is now left to navigate the implications of Judge Christensen’s resignation and the ongoing investigations, while simultaneously preparing for the transition to a new justice court judge.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
