On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct recommended a public reprimand for Nome-based Judge Romano DiBenedetto following allegations of conduct that could undermine public trust in the judicial system. The judge has been on administrative leave since March 8, 2025, after a referral was received by the commission on February 24, 2025.
The commission’s report outlined two primary concerns. On January 8, 2024, DiBenedetto arrived nearly an hour late to a court hearing held after regular business hours. According to four witnesses, the delay was due to the judge watching a sports game on television. Upon arrival, DiBenedetto reportedly made light of the situation by joking to attorneys that he was “getting lost.” The commission determined that this behavior suggested personal activities took priority over judicial duties, violating Alaska’s Code of Judicial Conduct.
Additionally, the commission investigated remarks made by DiBenedetto in the presence of courthouse staff. On multiple occasions, he allegedly mimicked the voices of ethnic minorities while referencing testimony or comments from judicial proceedings. The commission concluded these actions created an appearance of bias and breached court policies on respectful conduct, potentially eroding public confidence in the fairness of the judicial system.
DiBenedetto did not contest the commission’s findings and issued an apology for his actions. He agreed to the recommended public reprimand.
The commission’s report has been forwarded to the Alaska Supreme Court, which will decide the next steps regarding DiBenedetto’s role in the judicial system.
Judge DiBenedetto was appointed by Governor Bill Walker in 2017 and retained by voters in 2020.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
