Nevada Judge Steps Down Following Protective Order Confirmation Amid Stalking Allegations

Nevada Judge Steps Down Following Protective Order Confirmation Amid Stalking Allegations

A Nevada judge announced her retirement just days after a court issued a protective order to an attorney who accused her of stalking for over a year. Judge Bridget Robb, aged 63, of Washoe County, has faced serious allegations regarding her conduct towards attorney Kelci Binau, who specializes in Gaming and Administrative Law.

According to court documents, Robb allegedly engaged in stalking behavior at various locations across Reno, including both residences and workplaces. Reports indicate that these incidents were not isolated, suggesting a pattern involving numerous encounters.

Binau’s allegations describe a continuous display of what she characterized as a “willful, repeated and patterned” course of conduct between May 2024 and the issuance of a temporary protective order the previous week. Such behavior reportedly instilled fear and concern for her personal safety.

Scheduled Hearing and Ongoing Investigation

A hearing is set for February 13, where the court will decide if the protective order will be extended. Binau indicated that Robb’s behavior persisted despite her repeated requests to cease contact, ultimately leading her to involve law enforcement.

Following the issuance of the protective order, Chief District Judge Egan Walker took immediate action by removing Robb from all active cases and any committee assignments. Furthermore, a spokesperson for the Second Judicial District Court confirmed an internal investigation is currently underway.

Judge Robb Announces Retirement

In the wake of these developments, Judge Robb announced her retirement on Thursday. She cited her decision as being in “the best interest of the court, my family, and the community.” Along with her retirement, Robb stated that she would withdraw her candidacy for the Second Judicial District Court, Department 10.

Robb expressed her thoughts in a statement issued to The Nevada Independent, saying, “After careful consideration, I have made the decision to retire from my position as a judge. At this time, I believe stepping away from my judicial role and the election is in the best interest of the court, my family, and the community. I ask for respect and understanding for all involved during this transition.”

Judicial Career and Accusations

Before these allegations surfaced, Robb was up for re-election to her seat in Department 13 of the family court. However, she had chosen to run against District Judge Kathleen Sigurdson in Department 10 instead. Robb has served nearly two decades on the bench, having been appointed in 2006 by then-Governor Kenny Guinn.

As the situation developed, the Reno Police Department initiated an investigation into the judge last year. Reports indicate that investigators monitored a fitness studio frequently visited by Binau. Detectives observed Robb loitering in the vicinity of a shopping center where the gym is located, coinciding with Binau’s workouts.

Allegations of Admission

Earlier this month, police conducted a traffic stop on Robb after observing her in the area. Following the stop, they followed her to her home where she was interviewed. In a recorded statement from that encounter, Binau alleges that Robb admitted to the stalking behavior. This recorded interaction was captured on the detectives’ body cameras.

During the interview, Robb explained her actions by claiming she was “collecting information” during her routine drives. She described this behavior as a coping mechanism stemming from a previous personal relationship.

Community Impact and Future Implications

The implications of this case extend beyond individual reputations. The circumstances surrounding Judge Robb’s retirement and the details of the allegations raise serious questions about judicial conduct and accountability. The judicial system relies heavily on public trust, and incidents like this can severely undermine that trust.

As the court moves forward with its internal investigation and the scheduled hearing approaches, community members, legal experts, and those involved in the judiciary will be watching closely. The outcomes may influence not only the futures of those directly involved but also the public’s perception of the judicial system in Nevada.

In times of controversy, transparency becomes crucial for restoring faith in judicial processes. The judicial community must address these allegations seriously to ensure that justice remains a priority. What happens next will undoubtedly impact the future of the players involved and the legal framework within which they operate.