Judge Bengtson Retiring Due To Illness
Second District Judge John Bengtson has decided to retire on Nov. 1, prompted by health problems.
“While I have thoroughly enjoyed my 11 years as District Judge, I have undergone two emergency surgeries to remedy life-threatening problems within the past 14 months and I have concluded that it’s time for me to ‘smell the roses,”’ Bengtson told Chief Justice Charles McDevitt in a letter.
But while Bengtson said he no longer wanted to cope with the daily rigors of the judiciary, he asked McDevitt to consider him for trial or appellate court assignments as a pro tem, or temporary judge when other judges are not available.
“The physical difficulties which have plagued me for the past year and a half will not affect my ability in any way whatsoever to continue to serve pro tem in any matters,” he wrote.