Rondônia Court dismisses judge Robson José dos Santos for misconduct

The Court of Justice of Rondônia (TJ-RO) dismissed judge Robson José dos Santos in February 2026 following an administrative process conducted during his probationary period. The court's plenary body concluded that 12 of 16 alleged infractions were proven, determining that the magistrate lacked the functional maturity, emotional stability, and institutional commitment required for the position.

Specific misconduct cited by the court includes disrespectful treatment of staff, instructing a clerk to share judicial system passwords with an unauthorized individual, and conducting official prison visits while wearing casual attire such as shorts and flip-flops. The tribunal also noted instances of excessive proximity to inmates, the lending of a personal cell phone to prisoners, and an incident where the judge personally escorted three foster children to visit an inmate without technical evaluation or authorization.

Mr. dos Santos, who entered the judiciary through racial quota policies, is contesting the dismissal through the National Council of Justice (CNJ). His defense alleges procedural irregularities, disproportionate punishment, and structural racism. The case is being monitored by the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship and the Ministry of Racial Equality, while the CNJ proceedings remain under seal.