Washoe County Judge Bridget Robb, once a respected figure in Nevada’s judiciary, has stepped down under a cloud of serious allegations.
On Jan. 16, a temporary protective order was granted to gaming and administrative law attorney Kelci Binau, who accused Robb of stalking her across Reno at various locations since May 2024.
Days later, on Thursday, Robb announced her retirement after Chief District Judge Egan Walker removed her from all cases and committee assignments while launching an internal investigation. Court documents obtained by News 4 detail numerous encounters, with potentially hundreds of alleged incidents, while the Reno Police Department also opened a probe into Robb’s actions in late 2025.
The issue has ignited debate over accountability in the judiciary and the personal conduct of public officials. While the facts are still emerging, many question how such allegations could persist for so long without earlier intervention. It’s a case that strikes at the heart of trust in our legal system.
Court filings paint a troubling picture of repeated encounters between Robb and Binau, though specific details of each incident remain undisclosed. Evidence reportedly includes multiple Ring camera videos submitted as part of the protective order request, though their exact content is unclear, the New York Post reported.
The Reno Police Department’s investigation added weight to the claims, with detectives observing Robb lingering near a fitness studio frequented by Binau. On Jan. 7, officers pulled her over while she cruised the area and later interviewed her at her home. According to documents, Robb allegedly admitted to the behavior during this encounter.
Speaking through filings, Robb claimed she was “collecting information” during her drives around Reno. If true, this excuse raises more questions than answers—why would a sitting judge feel compelled to engage in such intrusive actions? It’s a justification that seems flimsy at best and deeply concerning at worst.
Robb’s sudden retirement on Thursday, described by some as an eleventh-hour exit, came just days after the protective order and her removal from judicial duties. Appointed to the Second Judicial District Court in 2006 by former Gov. Kenny Guinn, Robb had been a fixture in Nevada’s legal circles, even serving on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Nevada.
In a statement obtained by the Nevada Independent, Robb said, “After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from my position as a judge.”
She continued, “At this time, I believe stepping away from my judicial role and the election is in the best interest of the court, my family, and the community.” This mea culpa might sound noble, but it sidesteps the gravity of the allegations. Retiring doesn’t erase the need for answers or accountability.
Before her retirement, Robb was up for re-election to her Department 13 family court seat but had recently filed to run against District Judge Kathleen Sigurdson in Department 10 on Jan. 5. Her abrupt exit now leaves a vacuum in the court and raises questions about the timing of her decision.
Chief Judge Egan Walker’s swift action to strip Robb of her caseload and launch an internal investigation is a step in the right direction. Yet, one wonders why it took a protective order to trigger such measures if the alleged behavior spanned over a year. The system must do better to catch red flags early.
A hearing to consider extending the temporary protective order against Robb is set for Feb. 13, which could shed more light on the allegations. Until then, the public is left grappling with incomplete information and a tarnished view of judicial integrity.
From a broader perspective, this case underscores a growing frustration with unchecked power in public office. When those entrusted with upholding the law appear to flout it, it erodes the very foundation of justice. We must demand transparency, not just retirements, to rebuild that trust.
Binau, who serves on a committee with the State Bar of Nevada, has endured a deeply unsettling ordeal, though it remains unclear where else her path may have crossed with Robb’s. The focus now should be on ensuring her safety and getting to the bottom of these disturbing claims.
