On Friday, March 27, 2026, KNOM reported that Romano DiBenedetto, a Superior Court judge in Alaska’s Second Judicial District, resigned while awaiting a final decision from the Alaska Supreme Court in a judicial misconduct case.
DiBenedetto, 57, submitted a retirement letter effective April 1, 2026, nearly two months after the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct determined that a public reprimand was an appropriate sanction for multiple incidents involving his behavior both on and off the bench. The commission found that his actions violated provisions of the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct by creating an appearance of impropriety and undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
Among the incidents cited was a January 8, 2024, hearing in Unalakleet, where proceedings were delayed for nearly an hour due to what was described as a personal activity. Upon arrival, DiBenedetto told attorneys he had “gotten lost,” later acknowledging that the explanation was inaccurate. Investigators concluded that the delay and explanation suggested that court business had been subordinated to personal matters.
The commission also documented a broader pattern of scheduling disruptions. Court staff and attorneys reported frequent cancellations, rescheduling, and delays of hearings, often with little advance notice. Affidavits indicated that these changes were frequently tied to the judge’s travel plans and imposed logistical burdens on attorneys, court personnel, and litigants across the region.
Additional findings focused on DiBenedetto’s workplace conduct. Sworn statements alleged that he impersonated courtroom participants and others using exaggerated accents, including Alaska Native individuals and a Vietnamese police officer. Staff members described the behavior as creating an uncomfortable work environment.
In court filings, DiBenedetto acknowledged that some of his actions violated ethical standards, particularly those related to the appearance of impropriety. However, he disputed claims that his conduct demonstrated actual bias. The commission found insufficient evidence to conclude that he violated provisions explicitly prohibiting expressions of prejudice, but maintained that his behavior fell short of judicial expectations.
The commission characterized the misconduct as negligent rather than malicious, citing mitigating factors such as his cooperation during the investigation and lack of prior disciplinary history. However, it noted that his tenure on the bench—having been appointed in 2017 and retained by voters in 2020—meant he should have been fully aware of judicial standards.
During his administrative leave, DiBenedetto continued to receive his full annual salary, reported at $259,729.08. He would have been up for a retention vote later this year had he remained in office.
In a July statement to the commission, Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak Inc., criticized the judge’s conduct and emphasized the importance of cultural awareness in rural Alaska’s courts. Following news of his resignation, Bahnke reiterated her concerns and welcomed his departure, while also expressing disappointment over what she described as delays in disciplinary action.
DiBenedetto’s resignation leaves a vacancy in the Second Judicial District, which serves Nome and large areas of western and northwest Alaska. Court officials said visiting and pro tem judges will continue to handle cases in the region until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Source: KNOM
