An Oregon state judge has been placed on administrative leave following an investigation into allegations that he used sexist and derogatory language toward two female colleagues, including a prosecutor and a fellow judge.
Allegations Against Judge Channing Bennett
A judicial fitness complaint was filed against Marion County Circuit Judge Channing Bennett concerning 'serious allegations of misconduct,' according to Laura Kerns, spokesperson for the Oregon Judicial Department. Kerns declined to provide specifics about the alleged wrongdoing or disclose who filed the complaint. She confirmed that the state has retained an outside law firm to investigate the matter.
Details of the Incident
According to an anonymous source who spoke to The Oregonian, the alleged behavior occurred last month on the second day of an Oregon Circuit Court Judges Association conference at Sunriver Resort. During a social hour, Marion County judges and lawyers were discussing a potential opening on the circuit court bench. The source claimed that Bennett used a four-letter misogynistic profanity to insult a female prosecutor interested in the role, who was not present. Subsequently, Bennett allegedly directed another derogatory term at a female judge who was in the room. It was unclear which judge he targeted, as multiple female judges were nearby.
The source stated that attendees were stunned and began moving away from Bennett. It is unknown whether Bennett had consumed alcohol at the event.
Additional Allegations
A second source told The Oregonian that Bennett also disparaged a male judge during the same incident. Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson confirmed that her office was informed of the incident days after the conference. 'It is my understanding … that the vulgar and inappropriate comments were not restricted to a prosecutor in my office but also extended to other members of the justice system as well,' Clarkson said in a statement.
Background of the Judge
Bennett has served at the Marion County Circuit Court since 2013 and was appointed to the bench in 2016 by then-Governor Kate Brown. He has since won two elections to retain his seat, with his current term expiring on December 31, 2028. Before his judicial appointment, Bennett practiced law at a civil firm in Salem and became a pro tem judge in 2010.
It remains unclear when Bennett will return to his duties. The Daily Mail attempted to reach Bennett for comment via phone and email.
