Federal judge steps down after only 4 years
Alaska’s federal judge, Joshua Kindred, appointed by former President Trump, has resigned amid allegations of creating a hostile work environment, engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a former law clerk, and lying about it.
After just four years on the bench, Kindred stepped down from his role as a U.S. District Court judge for Alaska following an investigation by the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit, which revealed disturbing findings.
The council’s 30-page order detailed Kindred’s misconduct, stating that he had fostered a hostile work environment for his law clerks that included “unwanted, offensive, and abusive sexual conduct, including sexual harassment.”
Text messages spanning over 700 pages between Kindred and his clerks were cited in the order, many of which were deemed highly inappropriate. In one message, Kindred downplayed ethics, saying, “Who gives a f— about ethics, we need to get you paid.” In another, he joked about violent acts towards Supreme Court justices and referenced bringing illicit substances to a dinner party.
Additionally, the council found that Kindred had an “inappropriately sexualized relationship” with a female law clerk both during her clerkship and after she transitioned to become an assistant U.S. attorney for Alaska. The order mentioned that Kindred engaged in sexual activity with her on two occasions, with the former clerk alleging that the second incident, which took place at an Airbnb where Kindred was staying, was non-consensual.
During the investigation, Kindred was found to have lied about the sexual encounter with his former clerk, denying its occurrence until being placed under oath. This deceitful behavior was denounced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who emphasized the importance of holding judges to the highest standards.
Despite his resignation, the matter is far from closed. The council has forwarded the case to the Judicial Conference for potential impeachment proceedings.
Kindred’s swift exit from the judiciary marks a tarnish on his short tenure in office, causing public outrage and the swift call for a replacement nominee to be considered.
Unveiling the dark underbelly of judicial misconduct, the downfall of Judge Kindred serves as a reminder of the critical need for upholding integrity and ethical behavior in positions of power and authority.
