CJP postpones sexual misconduct hearings for appeals justice, Ventura judge

A Commission on Judicial Performance hearing in a case against 2nd District Court of Appeal Justice Jeffrey W. Johnson has been postponed indefinitely due to public health concerns about the coronavirus.

The hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday.

"A new date will be set once conditions improve," Gregory Dresser, director and chief counsel of the Commission on Judicial Performance, wrote in a statement.

Proceedings in the case of Ventura County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey G. Bennett also were postponed.

The commission has accused Johnson of assaulting, harassing or demeaning 17 women over a period of 20 years. His alleged victims include young attorneys, a California Highway Patrol officer and fellow 2nd District Justice Victoria G. Chaney. The commission hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon before Monday's decision to postpone.

In the other case, the commission postponed a response due from attorneys for Bennett, who is accused of six counts of making sexist and racist remarks, and allegedly retaliating against attorneys he believed filed complaints against him.

A response to the notice of formal proceedings had been due Monday. But Bennett's attorneys with Klinedinst PC, were given an extension until March 23.

"Judge Bennett has always been honest and straightforward," according to a March 4 statement from Bennett's legal team. "He is known for his refreshing 'tell it like it is' approach to life and his sense of humor. Prior to the initiation of formal proceedings, Judge Bennett admitted he had made inappropriate comments. He sincerely apologized to the Commission and implemented a thoughtfully developed plan for improvement and change."

-- Craig Anderson and Malcolm Maclachlan