On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 12News reported that Arizona Justice of the Peace Donald Watts was reprimanded by the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct for violating the code of conduct. The commission found that Watts used rude and demeaning language toward individuals appearing in his court last fall, leading to two conduct violations.

The reprimand followed a citizen’s complaint filed in November 2025. Watts, who has since apologized, attributed his behavior to the effects of a chronic illness, which made him “grumpy.” The commission’s ruling on April 1 stated that Watts violated Rule 1.2 of the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires judges to act in a manner promoting public confidence, and Rule 2.8(B), which requires judges to be patient, dignified, and courteous. The commission requested and received an apology from Watts for his actions. The reprimand is the only penalty.

Landlord Mike Jacobsen, who filed the complaint after appearing before Watts in an eviction hearing on September 18, expressed his appreciation for the commission’s ruling. Jacobsen stated that how individuals are treated in court directly affects public confidence in the justice system. However, he also voiced disappointment that the commission did not address his concerns regarding access to records and the associated costs.

Jacobsen alleged that when he requested a public record of the September 18 hearings, the Manistee Court Clerk initially resisted and then charged him $429 for the records. Commission Vice-Chair Joseph Kreamer stated that the commission did not find clear and convincing evidence to support Jacobsen’s fee complaint. A court spokesperson told 12News that the fee was due to a clerk’s misunderstanding of policy and was unintentional, alleging Jacobsen’s initial request was unclear.

Watts has been a Justice of the Peace since 2015, earning $130,000 annually. His term ends in November, and he does not plan to run again. Watts is a retired police officer and a member of the Arizona Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

In a written statement to 12News, Watts stated that he accepts responsibility for his actions and does not plan to appeal the decision.

 

 

Source: 12News