On Monday, January 5, 2026, Colorado Politics reported that County Court Judge Sean K. Murphy of San Miguel County plans to resign amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings. This decision follows new health information that may affect the appropriateness of further actions by the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline.
Judge Murphy, who had been suspended by the Colorado Supreme Court on October 27 while facing disciplinary scrutiny, is believed to have engaged in conduct that negatively impacted numerous cases, leading some litigants to experience extended delays in obtaining decisions. The commission’s investigation revealed instances of unusual behavior both in the courtroom and during virtual hearings.
In a joint request submitted on December 31 by Murphy’s legal representatives and the commission, details emerged regarding significant health issues the judge had been coping with. These health concerns were reportedly present throughout the fall of 2025, which limited Judge Murphy’s ability to participate actively in the commission’s inquiry.
Due to a 2024 amendment to the Colorado Constitution, a three-member panel—a combination of a trial judge, a lawyer, and a non-attorney—oversees Murphy’s disciplinary proceedings. The recent motion proposed that the case be redirected back to the commission to assess the feasibility of a disability inquiry or an alternative resolution.
The filing suggested that had the commission been informed of Murphy’s health complications earlier, it might not have authorized the complaint that led to these proceedings. Consequently, Murphy’s attorneys have opted not to disclose specific details regarding the nature of his health issues nor discuss how these factors may relate to his alleged misconduct, which includes a range of troubling behaviors.
Reportedly, some of these behaviors include compelling attorneys and clients to remain in court under severe weather conditions for over 90 minutes and raising his voice at court staff. There was also an incident during a virtual appearance in which a half-naked individual was briefly seen in the background, drawing attention to Murphy’s conduct.
Anne Mangiardi, the director of the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, has also not provided comments regarding the connection between Murphy’s health issues and the allegations facing him.
Judge Murphy has served as a part-time county judge since 2020, with prior experience as mayor and town council member in Telluride. His troubles began to surface after a series of complaints regarding his management of small claims cases, including a particular case that took over a year for him to rule on.
In June 2025, Mangiardi informed Murphy about concerns regarding his professionalism, noting that both hearings in a small claims case were delayed and that a dog had reportedly wandered in the courtroom during one trial. The subsequent investigation revealed that Murphy had failed to issue any orders in several cases for prolonged periods, with some cases unsettled for two years.
The commission highlighted troubling evidence indicating Murphy’s refusal to communicate with the commission, leading to claims that he demonstrated gross indifference concerning his judicial responsibilities.
In the latest developments, the involved parties indicated that Murphy’s resignation appears imminent, suggesting that reallocating the case to a disability proceeding might serve the public interest.
Source: Colorado Politics
