Bridget Robb, a judge on the Washoe County District Court, has announced her retirement effective February 6, 2024. This decision comes as she withdraws from her candidacy for the Second Judicial District Court, Department 10 position amidst serious allegations of stalking. Reports from News 4-Fox 11 detail a “willful, repeated and patterned” course of behavior that led to a temporary protective order (TPO) being issued against her.
The allegations prompted an investigation by the Reno police, which included a traffic stop during which Judge Robb reportedly acknowledged her actions. According to the reports, she described her behavior as a coping mechanism related to a past personal relationship.
In her statement regarding her retirement, Robb expressed, “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.” She requested “respect and understanding for all involved during this transition.”
Robb’s retirement effectively concludes her nearly two-decade career on the bench, having been appointed by former Republican Governor Kenny Guinn. Following her withdrawal from the race, Judge Kathleen Sigurdson, who has served in her current position since 2020, will remain unopposed in the upcoming election.
A hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2024, to determine whether the TPO against Robb should be extended. In light of her departure, officials in Washoe County now face a decision regarding her vacant Department 13 seat. They must choose whether to keep the seat open until the election or to seek a replacement through the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection.
Two family law attorneys, Alexander Morey and Lance White, have filed to contest for the soon-to-be-vacant seat, as reported by The Nevada Independent. Meanwhile, no comments have been issued by Sigurdson’s campaign regarding the ongoing situation. The implications of Judge Robb’s retirement and the surrounding allegations will likely resonate within the local legal community and beyond.
