A state report reveals that a Marion County judge’s sexist language at a judicial conference made several female judges feel traumatized and degraded. The incident occurred on April 27 at Sunriver Resort, where a group of judges, including Channing Bennett, were having dinner together.

Investigation and Aftermath

The state deputy marshal conducted a threat assessment after receiving a request from Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter to look into concerns with Bennett’s behavior. According to the assessment, Bennett called a local female prosecutor a misogynistic obscenity, which he repeated multiple times, directing it at two female judges.

Bennett is currently on voluntary leave from the circuit court until July 31, and his cases are being reassigned to other judges. The state’s investigation into Bennett is ongoing and could result in him being censured, suspended, or removed from his job.

The incident has raised concerns about Bennett’s behavior and the safety of other judges. Multiple judges expressed concerns and felt threatened by Bennett’s actions, and some reported feeling unsafe or anticipating retaliation from him.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.