Washington Judicial Conduct Panel Imposes Sanctions on Two Judicial Officers
The Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct has imposed formal disciplinary actions against two sitting judicial officers, citing serious breaches of professional conduct and ethical standards.
A joint stipulation filed this week outlines misconduct by King County District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai and Kitsap County Superior Court Commissioner Lynn K. Fleischbein. Both agreements, signed by the judges and the commission, reflect findings of behavior that undermined public confidence in the judiciary.
Judicial Overreach in King County
In King County, Judge Masaniai’s conduct drew particular scrutiny for its intrusiveness into the personal lives of court staff. A district court clerk, who began her role in early 2023, initiated a conversation with him regarding a litigant’s suicide—a matter she felt fell within the judge’s purview.
What began as professional dialogue soon expanded beyond formal boundaries. Records show Masaniai proactively sought the clerk’s contact information and began communicating with her outside regular hours. He inquired into her background, including her prior work as a bikini barista, and shared details about his own past employment at a strip club as a bouncer.
The most troubling incidents unfolded in May 2023. On May 5, Masaniai invited the clerk for a massage in his chambers; she declined both in person and in a follow-up text. Three days later, under the pretense of discussing a case, she entered his office to find the lighting dimmed and blinds drawn.
According to the stipulated facts, once seated, the clerk was met with personal questions about her tattoos and “special spirit,” while Masaniai recounted marital difficulties. As she prepared to depart, he requested a hug. She acceded, and the embrace extended for up to ten seconds—during which his hand migrated low on her back, making contact with her lower back and glutes. She recalls him smiling and appearing poised to kiss her before she pulled away, visibly shaken, and later vomited.
The clerk’s distress proved persistent. Court documents indicate she experienced recurring panic episodes, multiple episodes of work-related vomiting, and began retreating to courthouse restrooms to process moments of heightened anxiety.
The commission determined that Masaniai’s conduct created a climate of unease, with his authority shaping the clerk’s willingness to comply—even in the face of palpable discomfort.
Broader Implications of the Conduct
While Masaniai acknowledged personal hardships as context for his actions, the stipulation underscores the systemic impact of his approach. His role as judge lent implicit weight to his requests, making it difficult for staff to push back.
The commission concluded that his behavior eroded foundational expectations of professionalism and respect in the courtroom environment—especially for those in support roles whose work directly supports judicial operations.
The stipulation signals a broader reckoning with how interpersonal dynamics can intersect with judicial authority, particularly where hierarchical structures remain strong.
The Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) issued a formal reprimand to a judicial officer, mandating that he complete remedial training regarding sexual harassment.
Kitsap County Commissioner Delayed Child Support Rulings
In a separate matter within Kitsap County, a stipulation filed with the CJC indicates that Commissioner Lynn K. Fleischbein significantly delayed the issuance of final decisions in two cases involving modifications to child support, posing a direct risk to the well-being of the children concerned.
Issuing timely rulings is a fundamental duty of any judicial officer. Washington state law, specifically RCW 2.08.240, and the state constitution require judges to render a decision within 90 days after a case is finally submitted. The CJC determined that the commissioner breached these constitutional requirements.
The stipulation details that in Case No. 21-3-00360-18, the parties involved waited 168 days to receive the final order, the child support order, and the accompanying worksheets. In the second matter, Case No. 21-3-00484-18, the recorded delay extended to 301 days, a period of approximately ten months.
The CJC’s findings further state that during these extended periods, the parties in both cases contacted the court to inquire about the status of their filings. The document characterizes this situation as a failure by the judicial officer to provide the prompt service she expected from the public.
The agreement specifies that delays in child support modifications are particularly damaging because they directly affect the financial security and general welfare of vulnerable households.
Commissioner Fleischbein cited her transition to a part-time role as a newly appointed commissioner and personal difficulties related to caring for her mother as reasons for the lag in processing. However, the agreed-upon facts conclude that her inability to perform the primary function of her position effectively withheld justice from the families dependent on her rulings.
The CJC noted that a ten-month delay in matters concerning the welfare of children constitutes a significant neglect of judicial responsibility. For this stipulated misconduct, the commissioner received an Admonishment from the commission.
Implications for Judicial Accountability
The public relies heavily on judicial officers to enforce the law, maintain professional ethical standards, and provide timely justice.
The conduct detailed in the signed stipulations of the two judicial officers serves as a clear illustration of the impact on individuals when court officials do not fulfill their core obligations.
The documented failures, ranging from workplace harassment allegations to prolonged waits for critical financial rulings, highlight areas where the legal system may be weakened.
Residents of Washington state expect a higher standard of performance from their courts, and accountability is expected to begin at the bench.