Disgraced Nome Judge Accused of Deception in Sex Trafficking Probe
A former Alaska judge, Romano DiBenedetto, who recently resigned, is now embroiled in accusations of lying to investigators regarding his Facebook connections to individuals suspected of sex trafficking. This development follows earlier allegations of misconduct, including tardiness for court due to watching televised sports.
The judicial conduct commission contends DiBenedetto “misrepresented his knowledge of why the posts were on his Facebook page with the intent to affect the Commission’s actions.” He has until May 18 to formally respond to these new charges. While DiBenedetto has not been criminally charged in relation to the judicial commission's probe, the Alaska Supreme Court, the ultimate disciplinary authority, is yet to issue a final decision. His attorney, John Cashion, has not commented.
Shifting Recommendations and a Pattern of Concern
The Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct had initially recommended a public reprimand for DiBenedetto, based on his admitted tardiness and other alleged misconduct. However, the commission later asked the Alaska Supreme Court to pause any disciplinary action, citing "recently become aware of new, previously unreported, facts that affect its recommendation for discipline."
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This shift occurred after DiBenedetto’s resignation, effective April 1, amid a "lengthy investigation into misconduct allegations." Previously, DiBenedetto had been placed on paid leave for nearly a year. During this period, court staff reported incidents including the judge using offensive accents and delaying court proceedings to watch sports.
"Each call was to a different victim of the sex trafficking operation and was brief, lasting about 20 seconds."
— Allegation from the commission's filing
Melanie Bahnke, a former member of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct, expressed her disappointment that the commission had recommended only a reprimand, suggesting removal might have been more appropriate.
Background of Judicial Scrutiny
DiBenedetto's tenure in Nome has been marked by a series of complaints. He is reportedly the second judge in Nome to face disciplinary action in recent succession. While on leave, his judicial duties were covered by other judges from the Second Judicial District. The Alaska Court System has confirmed DiBenedetto's court system email address is no longer active, indicating his separation from official duties.
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The investigation into DiBenedetto's conduct was reportedly questioned by a Northwest Alaska court administrator, who raised concerns about the handling of the state investigation. This administrative questioning came as the commission sought to finalize its recommendation for discipline.
