Harris County District Judge Kelli Johnson’s court reporter, Gail A. Rolen, has recently filed a judicial complaint against the judge due to what she describes as a “significant decline in Judge Johnson’s behavior.” Rolen’s concerns predate Johnson’s highly publicized April traffic stop and June DWI arrest. Rolen has been Johnson’s official reporter since January 2017 and has witnessed her behavior firsthand during high-profile trials, such as the A.J. Armstrong case.
The complaint comes after Johnson’s DWI arrest, during which she admitted to taking duloxetine, an antidepressant. The arresting officer noticed her slow movements, emotionless demeanor, and dilated pupils, leading them to conclude that she was under the influence of a controlled substance. Johnson’s absence from the 178th District Court in May had initially raised questions, but Amanda Cain, the communications director for the Administrative Office of the District Courts, simply stated that Johnson was out for personal matters.
ABC13 was the first to report on Johnson’s April traffic stop, during which Harris County deputies suspected her of DWI. Although she failed parts of a field sobriety test, she was ultimately let go with a warning for speeding. This incident, along with Johnson’s recent arrest and Rolen’s complaint, has raised concerns about the judge’s behavior.
In her statement to Eyewitness News, Rolen expressed her concerns about Johnson’s behavior both professionally and personally, both inside and outside the courtroom. She mentioned that many professionals have been involved in addressing Johnson’s actions and behavior. However, Rolen felt compelled to file a judicial complaint to protect the integrity of the judicial system, attorneys and their clients, and the public who elected Johnson. Rolen also revealed that she had filed FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) to protect her job until further action is taken.
When approached for comment, Johnson declined to speak to Channel 13, stating that she had “lots of comments” but would not share them with the news outlet. The administrative judge also declined to comment.
This situation raises serious questions about Judge Johnson’s conduct and the impact it may have on her ability to fulfill her judicial duties. The filing of a judicial complaint by her own court reporter suggests that her behavior has been a cause for concern for some time. The inclusion of Rolen’s statement provides additional insight into the ongoing nature of this troubling behavior.
It is crucial for the Judicial Commission to thoroughly investigate these allegations and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the judicial system is maintained. The public’s trust in the judiciary is essential, and any behavior that undermines that trust must be addressed promptly and effectively. Only through a fair and transparent process can the public have confidence in the outcome and the system as a whole.
