Judge Faces Censure for Favoritism and Anti-DA Bias
Mount Vernon City Court Judge Nichelle Johnson is facing censure for her actions that indicate favoritism and bias against district attorney prosecutors. Between 2022 and 2024, Johnson’s behavior raised concerns about her impartiality in the courtroom, according to a complaint from the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Key Allegations Against Judge Nichelle Johnson
Johnson is accused of providing legal advice to parties involved in two different cases. She allegedly attempted to facilitate favorable outcomes for acquaintances and displayed hostility toward district attorney attorneys during court proceedings.
- In a landlord-tenant case in 2022, Johnson advised the tenant to pay the landlord promptly to avoid eviction, upsetting the landlord’s attorney.
- On another occasion, she inadvertently informed a defendant about releasing their impounded vehicle while speaking with a court officer.
- Johnson also instructed a court clerk to dismiss a neighbor’s traffic ticket, showing a misuse of her judicial position.
Public Outbursts and Unprofessional Conduct
Johnson’s behavior extended to shouting at prosecutors during court sessions. In one instance, she criticized the handling of a case involving a confiscated vehicle, expressing frustration with comments directed at the district attorney’s office.
- In 2023, she yelled at a prosecutor regarding a case involving a fake license plate, calling the impoundment process a “God damn racket.”
- Another outburst occurred later that year when she reacted negatively to a prosecutor’s objection to her ruling.
Judge’s Acknowledgment and Remedial Actions
Johnson has admitted to her improper conduct and agreed to undergo a censure. She expressed regret over her actions and has committed to improving her behavior. To that end, she completed five relevant programs sponsored by the Office of Court Administration and the University of California Berkeley Law School.
Robert Tembeckjian, the commission’s administrator, emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality and warned against using judicial authority for the benefit of personal connections.
Career Background
Judge Nichelle Johnson was admitted to practice law in New York in 1995. She was appointed to the Mount Vernon City Court in April 2016 and was later elected to a full term in November of the same year. Her current term will end on December 31, 2024.
As the case unfolds, Johnson’s future in the judiciary will depend on her ability to adhere to the principles of judicial conduct and take accountability for her actions.
