Commission issues censure for former Okanagan County commissioner Robert Colbert

The Commission on Judicial Conduct read into the record a stipulation and proposed order of censure in the matter of Robert Colbert, former Okanagan County Superior Court commissioner. The stipulation, submitted under Article IV, Section 31 of the Washington Constitution and commission rule 23, alleges that Colbert engaged in prolonged, unprofessional sexualized communications with a subordinate court employee and also failed to issue a timely decision in a parenting-plan modification matter.

The commission's statement sets out that the conduct occurred both during and outside work hours, prompted the presiding judge to place Colbert on leave on Feb. 4, 2026, and led to revocation of his appointment on April 6, 2026. The stipulation cites violations of Canon 1 (rules 1.1, 1.2) and Canon 2 (including rules 2.5 and 2.8(b)) of the code of judicial conduct and notes state timing requirements for decisions. As the chair read the agreement, the commission said the sanction should "restore and maintain the dignity and honor of the judicial position" and protect the public from similar misconduct.

Under the terms read into the record, Colbert agreed that the conduct violated the code and stipulated to a censure. He further agreed he "will neither seek nor serve in judicial office in the future without advance permission of the commission" and that he will not retaliate against anyone who cooperated with the commission. When given an opportunity to comment after the reading, Colbert said, "I don't have anything to add." The order of censure, signed as chair by Ruth Rutoff and dated 11th day of September, was included with the stipulation; the chair noted the stipulation "shall not become effective until approved by the Washington Commission on Judicial Conduct."