On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, KSTP reported that a state oversight panel is deliberating potential sanctions for Anoka County Judge John P. Dehen amid allegations of judicial misconduct. The Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards has raised concerns regarding Judge Dehen’s conduct, citing a “pattern” of behavior that includes questionable internal hiring practices, presiding over court cases while traveling, and ruling against juveniles based on their immigration status or language proficiency.
Judge Dehen, who faced private reprimand in 2022 for making threats in a small claims lawsuit, acknowledged that he conducted court proceedings while a passenger on a trip to Ohio. Despite this admission, he maintains that he did not demonstrate bias when questioning individuals about their immigration status during guardianship hearings.
The oversight board’s charges against Judge Dehen detail multiple instances of statements and rulings that exhibit prejudice. In several cases, his decisions have been overturned by other judges, who also removed him from cases involving at-risk juveniles.
During a recent hearing, former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Eric Magnuson, represented the state and questioned Judge Dehen about his objections to a Minnesota law aimed at providing protective guardianship for youths facing trafficking, neglect, or abuse. Magnuson referenced comments from a fellow judge who noted that it seemed Judge Dehen opposed the law.
In his defense, Judge Dehen stated, “I don’t have a problem with the law,” countering Magnuson’s assertions. Despite the judge’s claims, data shows that nearly 500 petitions for at-risk juvenile guardianship have been approved statewide, with only a 3% denial rate since August 2022. All five denials in Anoka County have been attributed to Judge Dehen.
The board’s complaints also include allegations of a conflict of interest, where Judge Dehen reportedly instructed a court staff member to resign and reapply for her position to secure a higher salary. Documentation indicates that he intended to preside over related hearings in this matter.
Magnuson noted that the investigation revealed another potential violation: Judge Dehen’s involvement in court proceedings while traveling in a vehicle. He emphasized that the judge appears to act independently without regard for opposing views.
The three-member panel, led by Senior Judge Kurt Marben—an appointee of former Governor Jesse Ventura—has the authority to either dismiss the charges against Judge Dehen or recommend sanctions, which could include censure, suspension, or removal from the bench by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Recent reports indicate a significant increase in complaints against judges in Minnesota, reaching an all-time high since 2022. However, the imposition of discipline and public reprimands remains infrequent. The last instance of judicial discipline from the Minnesota Supreme Court occurred in 2015 when another Anoka County judge, Alan Pendleton, was removed from office for residing outside his designated district.
Source: KSTP
