On Friday, July 26, 2024, ABC13 reported that Harris County District Judge Kelli Johnson’s court reporter Gail A. Rolen had filed a judicial complaint against the judge following months of troubling behavior.
According to court reporter Gail Rolen, she has been Judge Johnson’s official court reporter in the 178th District Court since January 2017. However, Rolen contended that starting in January 2024, Judge Johnson began exhibiting a significant decline in her professional and personal behavior both inside and outside the courtroom. Rolen worked with Judge Johnson during several high-profile trials.
The complaint stemmed from a series of concerning incidents. In April, Judge Johnson was pulled over by Harris County deputies for speeding but was let go with a warning even though video showed she failed parts of a field sobriety test. Deputies determined she had passed enough of the tests not to proceed with a DWI investigation further.
In June, Judge Johnson was arrested and charged with DWI. Police records stated the officer arrested Judge Johnson for driving under the influence of a controlled substance after exhibiting slow movements, an emotionless demeanor, and dilated pupils. The judge had admitted to taking an antidepressant medication.
Rolen stated that due to her duty to protect the integrity of the judicial system and ensure fairness for attorneys, clients, and the public, she felt compelled to file a judicial complaint outlining Judge Johnson’s conduct leading up to the traffic stop and DWI arrest. However, she said troubling behavior by the judge continued even after the arrest.
As a result, Rolen took time off work under the Family Medical Leave Act to distance herself from the situation until action was potentially taken.
Judge Johnson’s cases were reassigned to other judges like Susan Brown and visiting judges. When asked for comment, officials from the Administrative Office of the District Courts declined to provide any additional details.
Source: ABC13
