King County Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai Reprimanded Over Inappropriate Conduct Toward Court Clerk

On Monday, April 27, 2026, The Seattle Times reported that King County District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai has been reprimanded by the Commission on Judicial Conduct for inappropriate behavior toward a female clerk. The reprimand stems from allegations that Judge Masaniai offered the clerk a massage, hugged her inappropriately in his chambers, and contacted her outside of work for personal reasons.

The clerk, who began working at the district court in January 2023, initially connected with Masaniai after a litigant in a case she clerked for died by suicide. She reached out to him to discuss whether the court could have prevented the death, leading to daily communication about work and personal matters. The clerk felt the contact was “strange and possibly inappropriate,” but hesitated to speak up due to Masaniai’s position as her superior.

In May 2023, the situation escalated when Masaniai offered the clerk a massage in his chambers after she mentioned having a sore neck. She declined, but he reportedly followed up with a text message reiterating the offer. A few days later, after the clerk messaged Masaniai about a case, he invited her to his chambers, where he asked personal questions, complimented her “special spirit,” and alluded to marital problems. As she attempted to leave, Masaniai asked for a hug, which she felt unable to refuse. The clerk described the hug as a “full body embrace” with his hand positioned low on her back. She subsequently went to the bathroom and vomited.

Masaniai texted the clerk later that day, apologizing for “coming apart” but not for the unwanted touching. The following day, he inquired if she was okay, to which she responded that she felt uncomfortable with the hug. The clerk then attempted to distance herself from Masaniai, experiencing panic attacks and vomiting at work. She eventually asked Masaniai to stop contacting her and reported the incidents to human resources. The clerk was reassigned and has not had to work with Masaniai since.

Following an investigation, the commission alleged in 2024 that Masaniai’s behavior violated the code of judicial conduct and court rules. Masaniai responded that he had lost eight family members since 2020 and viewed the clerk as someone to confide in, expressing remorse for the harm caused. He characterized the hug as a “bro hug” and denied any sexual intent. Masaniai stated he now understands the power imbalance between a judge and a clerk and will be more mindful in the future.

The commission acknowledged that the misconduct was “serious” but also “isolated and relatively short-lived.” They found no evidence that Masaniai intentionally violated his oath of office but noted he used his judicial status to form a relationship with the clerk.

The commission also recognized that Masaniai sought assistance and has since made positive changes in his interactions.

As part of the disciplinary action, Masaniai is required to undergo sexual harassment and gender dynamics training.

Masaniai was appointed in January 2021 and won election to the bench in November 2022.