On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced the resignation of Reid L. Johnson, a Town Justice in Ellington, Chautauqua County, amidst an investigation into alleged drinking and driving offenses.
Johnson’s resignation, effective October 3, 2025, includes an agreement never to seek or accept judicial office in the future. The Commission accepted a stipulation to that effect, signed by Johnson and the Commission’s Administrator, with the order officially accepted on October 30, 2025.
The investigation stemmed from an incident in September 2024 when Judge Johnson was charged with two motor vehicle offenses, one of which was aggravated driving while intoxicated. In December 2024, he pleaded guilty to a violation-level offense of Driving While Ability Impaired, resolving all charges against him. He was subsequently sentenced in June 2025 to a $500 fine, a $420 surcharge, and other mandatory sentencing terms.
In July 2025, the Commission notified Judge Johnson of a complaint and subsequent investigation related to the charges, as well as an allegation that he identified himself as a judge during the arrest. Judge Johnson waived confidentiality provisions, allowing the stipulation and the Commission’s order to be made public.
Robert H. Tembeckjian, Administrator & Counsel of the Commission, stated that drinking and driving by a judge undermines public faith in the courts, especially when judicial office is invoked during an arrest. He deemed Johnson’s resignation an appropriate conclusion to the matter.
Johnson, who is not an attorney, had served as a Justice of the Ellington Town Court since 2024.
