ELLINGTON — Ellington Town Judge Reid L Johnson has resigned from his position following an investigation from the state Commission of Judicial Conduct following a 2024 drunk driving incident.

According to a news release from the commission dated Nov. 4, Johnson was charged in September 2024 with two motor vehicle offenses, including aggravated driving while intoxicated. In December 2024 he pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired, a violation-level offense, in satisfaction of all charges and in June 2024 was sentenced to a $500 fine, a $420 surcharge and other mandatory sentencing terms. In July 2025, the commission apprised the judge that it was investigating a complaint related to the charges, as well as an allegation that he had identified himself as a judge when arrested.

The police report from Sept. 16, 2024, identifies Johnson as the operator of a motorcycle who had fallen off at the intersection of Gerry-Levant Road and Route 60 in Gerry, that Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies were called to check the well-being of at about 8:12 a.m. that Friday. It was found that Johnson had been operating the motorcycle while intoxicated. Johnson was subsequently charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.18% or greater and driving while intoxicated.

According to state court records and the Commission, Johnson tendered his resignation to Town Supervisor Karen Bifaro on Sept. 12, 2025, effective Oct. 3. It was accepted by the Commission of Judicial Conduct on Oct. 30. In the letter, he agreed not to seek or accept a judicial office again, court records show.

“Drinking and driving, which threatens public safety as well as the motorist, also undermines faith in the courts when the offender is a judge,” Robert Tembeckjian, administrator for the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct said in a statement included in the Nov. 4 press release. “The offense is compounded where the driver invokes judicial office when stopped by the police. Judge Johnson’s resignation from the bench brings this matter to an appropriate conclusion.”

Johnson, who is not an attorney, had been a Justice of the Ellington Town Court since 2024. His current term would have expired on December 31, 2027. The Ellington Town Justice is now listed on the website as Jeffrey Crossley.