New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill

A municipality in Northern Westchester has announced its next city judge following the resignation of her predecessor, who was forced to resign after being charged with making sexual innuendos and inappropriate remarks to staff and attorneys on multiple occasions.

Peekskill's next City Court Judge, Sophia L. Trott. — Peekskill's next City Court Judge, Sophia L. Trott.
Photo Credit: *City of Peekskill*

Ben Crnic

11/20/2024 3:00 p.m.

In an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Peekskill Common Council revealed the selection of Sophia Trott as the next City Court Judge.

Trott will replace Reginald J. Johnson, who resigned from his position on Monday, Sept. 30 following formal charges filed against him by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

According to the commission, in August 2024, Johnson was served with a formal written complaint that accused him of dismissing nearly a dozen traffic tickets based on personal relationships, making sexual remarks to court staff and attorneys, as well as engaging in unauthorized communication with a government official regarding a pending criminal matter without all parties present.

Earlier Report - Peekskill City Judge Resigns After Making Sexual Innuendos, Remarks: Officials

Following her selection, Trott said she was "excited and humbled by the opportunity to become a judge in the City of Peekskill."

"I look forward to working for the community and making a difference in the lives of those that appear before me," Trott added.

According to city officials, Trott is the founder of the Law Office of Sophia L. Trott, P.C. based in Mount Vernon. Her firm's practice areas include real estate closings, landlord and tenant proceedings, civil litigation cases involving family court matters, custody and child support cases, and wills.

Her practice also represents for-profit and not-for-profit religious corporations.

Before starting her practice, Trott was a managing partner for Bozeman, Trott & Savage LLP. She has also served as a Former President of the Westchester Black Bar Association; a former member of the Mount Vernon Planning Board; and a former member of the Board of Westchester Legal Aid Society.

She received her law degree from Cardozo Law School.

"Sophia’s legal background and desire to make a difference in our community makes her the perfect candidate to be our next City Court Judge," said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, also adding, "The Council and I wish her continued success as our court begins this new chapter.”

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