On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Colorado Politics reported that Christopher S.P. Gregory, the former head of Colorado’s judicial discipline, faces potential sanctions from a federal judge. Judge Kathryn H. Vratil has ordered Gregory to justify his statements in a lawsuit against the Colorado Supreme Court and affiliated entities, raising concerns about their accuracy.
The legal battle, unfolding in the U.S. District Court, involves allegations of misconduct and conspiracy. Judge Vratil, stepping in after multiple Colorado judges recused themselves, will preside over the hearing to determine if Gregory’s actions warrant consequences. The unusual assignment underscores the sensitive nature of the case.
Gregory’s lawsuit, initiated last October, targets the state’s judicial system, alleging a conspiracy linked to a multimillion-dollar contract awarded to a judicial employee in 2019 amidst misconduct claims. Gregory, representing himself, claims the employee, Mindy Masias, possessed evidence of judicial misconduct.
At the heart of the matter is Gregory’s pursuit of reinstatement as the judicial discipline commission’s director. He also seeks the removal of individuals appointed to key judicial roles. The case further involves a separate, sealed lawsuit.
The potential sanctions stem from Gregory’s motion for default judgment against the defendants, alleging they failed to respond to his claims, which he interprets as an admission of guilt. However, the defendants maintain they have actively engaged in the case, citing ongoing communication with Gregory’s counsel.
The case has been marked by procedural complexities, including multiple judge recusal. Initially assigned to Chief Judge Daniel D. Domenico, Gregory filed a misconduct complaint against him, leading to Domenico’s recusal. Senior Judge R. Brooke Jackson then took over, implementing a unique requirement for parties to submit detailed letters before filing motions. Jackson eventually recused himself, leading to Judge Gordon P. Gallagher’s brief involvement before Judge Vratil assumed control.
Judge Vratil has questioned Gregory’s assertions, suggesting his motion for default might violate rules against improper filings. She has challenged his claim that the defendants failed to defend themselves, pointing to their active participation in the case.
A hearing is scheduled for March 26 to address sanctions and other pending motions. Gregory has also publicly commented on the case, including a letter to state Senate President James Coleman, alleging the defendants are obstructing the litigation.
Source: Colorado Politics
