The Landmine has confirmed that Nome Superior Judge Romano DiBenedetto has been on paid administrative leave since March 8. The information came via a tip last week and was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Alaska Court System, though no reason was given. 

A judge can be placed on administrative leave by the chief justice and administrative director, according to a spokesperson for the court system. Justice Susan Carney is the current chief justice and Stacey Marz is the administrative director.

When asked why Judge DiBenedetto was placed on administrative leave, a spokesperson for court system said they could not comment. 

The spokesperson did confirm that Judge DiBenedetto’s cases are being reassigned to other judges in the Second Judicial District, which includes Kotzebue, Nome, Unalakleet, and Barrow. 

The Commission on Judicial Conduct would not comment when asked if Judge DiBenedetto is under investigation. If a complaint is filed with the commission and is supported with evidence, a hearing is held where the charges are made public. It is not known if a complaint was filed against Judge DiBenedetto or if he is under investigation by the commission. 

The Commission on Judicial Conduct is comprised of three public members, three lawyers, and three judges. Attorney members Donald W. McClintock and Bill Satterberg both declined to speak to the Landmine. Attorney member Jane Mores could not be reached. 

DiBenedetto was appointed by former Governor Bill Walker in 2017. He was retained in 2020 after receiving a positive performance evaluation by the Alaska Judicial Council. He is next up for a retention vote in 2026. 

This is a developing story.