In August 2011, Monica Contreras arrived in court with her two year-old daughter to follow through with a divorce case. Contreras’ ex-husband filed for a restraining order against her, but when he did not show, the judge dismissed the charges. While Contreras was getting ready to leave, Court Marshal Ron Fox ordered her to go through an unexplained drug search. Fox then demanded Contreras to wait in a room and lift up her shirt, as he searched for drug paraphernalia. When Contreras asked for a female marshal to conduct the search, her request was ignored. Contreras claimed that Marshal Fox sexually assaulted her, in an empty room, with a judge and her daughter next door.
After trying to plea for help from the judge and other officers, the judge not only ignored her, but allowed the same marshal who had assaulted her to arrest her as well. She instinctively tried to explain to the judge about being ignored when asking for a female marshal to conduct the search and how she was assaulted, while the judge refrained from looking at Contreras, distracting herself by playing with the two-year-old daughter.
Marshal Ron Fox arrested Monica Contreras for false accusations against a police officer (there is no law supporting such an arrest in any case), but before arresting Contreras, Fox was kind enough to give her the chance to repeal her allegations — well, gave her an ultimatum: Tell the judge it was a lie, or go to jail. Finally after a six month investigation, the accusations were found to be true, and Fox was fired immediately on finding the information.
During a 3rd Quarter Report of the National Police Misconduct Statistic, male police officers have been accused of sexual assault 1.5 times more often than the general male population.
There needs to be more control and oversight during these investigations. Was there any reason to believe that Monica Contreras had drugs in her possession? Also, female officers should always be available on hand for any searches, and using procedures such as having a second witness in the room to be able to confirm or deny any possible allegations. If more precautions were taken, many of these events could have been stopped or avoided.
Here’s a video of Contreras pleading with the judge while she is arrested:
EDITORIAL NOTE (July 30th, 2013): Hearing Master Patricia Doninger was terminated from her position as well. The reporter was unaware of this at the time of the writing.
Young Progressive Voices 
I had read of this case before, and its shocking in its implications for how women are treated in our country.
Posted by 503me | July 29, 2013, 6:13 pmpure bs. just because they are part of the legal system.
Posted by John West | July 30, 2013, 6:05 pmThe article didn’t mention which county in which state this incident took place. How can I fact check this???
Posted by james purcer | October 27, 2013, 12:08 pmThe judge needs to be fired.
Posted by Jess | July 30, 2013, 9:02 amwomen are still being exploited, by the ones we have to rely on for our safety.
Posted by John West | July 30, 2013, 6:07 pmAbsolute agreement here it is almost petrifying. Rosie Rivitters unite!!!
Posted by Kellye | July 31, 2013, 6:41 amEDITORIAL NOTE (July 30th, 2013): Hearing Master Patricia Doninger was terminated from her position as well. The reporter was unaware of this at the time of the writing.
Posted by LaDonna Stephens | July 30, 2013, 7:30 pmDoes Hearing Master = Judge?
Posted by Kellye | July 31, 2013, 6:37 amWhy did it take 8 months for the man to be fired?
Posted by Ronald T Andrews | October 27, 2013, 10:34 amAGREED what a weak Judge its Judges such as these that perpetuate the constant barrage of needless arrests. Good job on Ms. Contreas following thru with this.
Posted by Kellye | July 31, 2013, 6:34 amThe judge WAS fired
Posted by Chris Sanchez | July 31, 2013, 11:17 amIt is a shame! How could she standby and allow that b.s. to happen in her courtroom.
Posted by Ron-nel Corre | August 20, 2013, 1:23 pmThis is so true she totally ignored that lady that was unheard of she should be investigated and fired.
Posted by Joann Berzett | October 27, 2013, 10:48 pmThis is why I don’t belive in the court system its the good old boys that think they can treat people like…… That Judge should be fired SAD SAD SAD
Posted by Carrie Guillen | July 30, 2013, 9:03 amI agree, there is more illegal activity and unethical behavior going on in that courtroom than what the Marshals were doing….That judge had no business relinquishing control of her courtroom to the Marshal and bailiffs. She should go down with the rest of them.
Posted by Shari | July 30, 2013, 11:49 amThe Judge should be charged with negligence. How can she play with the child as her mother is handcuffed. Why doesn’t she ask the Marshall what he thinks he is doing?
Posted by pauln2901 | July 30, 2013, 12:59 pmWhy wasn’t the judge fired for not doing her job ?
Posted by Eric W | July 30, 2013, 9:07 amsame damn question I have.
Posted by Christopher | July 30, 2013, 12:40 pmShe has now been sacked. Just google Patricia Doninger. So justice has prevailed. Has the marshall been charged with assault?
Posted by pauln2901 | July 30, 2013, 4:28 pmEDITORIAL NOTE (July 30th, 2013): Hearing Master Patricia Doninger was terminated from her position as well. The reporter was unaware of this at the time of the writing.
Posted by LaDonna Stephens | July 30, 2013, 7:30 pmWoW! That Judge is a horrible heartless B*tch., I hope she loses her job. How can she live with herself knowing she allowed a sexual predator arrest an innocent victim and have her child taken from her for a short time? And she allowed a child to go unjustly without her mother, which I’m sure caused emotional distress on the poor girl. If I were the woman, I would sue the Judge and Officer Sexual predator.
Posted by JB | July 30, 2013, 9:12 amWhy is this despicable Judge still employed? What a trio of bumbling morons!!
Posted by paul2901 | July 30, 2013, 9:34 amThis is the new police state in America. Stop it now while you still can. WAKE UP. STAND UP. SPEAK UP. because you may be next.
Posted by Donna D | July 30, 2013, 9:58 amtoo many times now the legal system has screwed someone over, and got away with it. like the cop who kicked the woman sitting on the curb with handcuffs on. yes he was fired, but not proscecuted. BS!
Posted by John West | July 30, 2013, 6:10 pmWhy are any of those involved in this case still working?
Posted by travalar | July 30, 2013, 11:05 amFIRE THAT CUNT JUDGE TOO ! That young lady is a massive hero to stand up to those turds.
Posted by james smith | July 30, 2013, 11:16 amThe “Judge” (actually “Hearing Master”) in this incident, Patricia Doninger, was fired on June 14.
Posted by David Kolodenko | July 30, 2013, 1:06 pmWhy is that Judge not FIRED!!!! This is disgusting and sick. That traumatized the young mother and her child -this is America?
Posted by Mae Arant | July 30, 2013, 1:17 pmIs anyone doing anything?
Posted by bev | July 30, 2013, 2:05 pmwhat is the judges name?? is there any way we can find that out?
Posted by Matt | July 30, 2013, 3:57 pmWait, I’m glad this rat was fired, but don’t normal people go to JAIL for sexual assault? Once again proving a different set of rules for the boys in blue. What a pathetic excuse for a “Judge” too. Use some common sense, this woman just had a case dismissed, what is the likelihood she would make this “accusation” up? Especially in front of her daughter. Disgusting.
Posted by Tony Merlo | July 30, 2013, 4:05 pmThis is why the repubs are just like the Muslim, Sharia-law. They believe the woman is at fault, if they get attacked.
Posted by Ed | July 30, 2013, 6:55 pmWell, you know, the bible says its a rape victim’s fault if she doesn’t scream loud enough. Since our society gets its morals from primitive goat-herder’s books Its no wonder women are second class citizens.
Posted by JC Denton | July 30, 2013, 11:05 pmIn these times, we need to take for granted that we are always on film in such situations, and no matter what the damn authorities tell us, keep on telling the truth, LOUDLY! Mrs. Contreras and her daughter are heroines!
Posted by Russ Jones | October 28, 2013, 12:53 amHow many other women were assaulted by this thug while judge ignored it?
Posted by Kristine Cole | July 30, 2013, 7:08 pmI can hardly imagine how distressing this would be! I would be traumatized.
Posted by Tom Deschene | July 31, 2013, 1:27 amDoes anyone know where this ridiculous outrage took place? What state? That useless “Hearing Officer” may as well have been a chimp. She should be suspended. (without pay)
Posted by Titus Vorenus | July 31, 2013, 6:02 amI wonder how many people read articles? Really read them? Most of the comments are saying the judge should be fired, the bailiff charged, what state was it in yada yada yada. All those questions were ANSWERED in the article.
Posted by Chris Sanchez | July 31, 2013, 11:20 amStill reading the article above, still looking for the State, still failing to find it. Help me out here, Chris, by quoting the section/sentence in which the State appears. Thanks.
Posted by Susan Shaddock | October 27, 2013, 11:18 amLook at the bottom of the picture shes gone. I don’t belive in the court system!!!!!! when I wanted 2 leave my husband. He use the court system again me…… calling anybody that would listen 2 him the D.A. everybody and when he went 2 far they dropped the charges, He had money I didtn’t… its all about the money and the court system
Posted by Carrie | August 20, 2013, 12:05 pmFire all those pathetic excuses for human beings.
Posted by Jimmy Chancellor | August 20, 2013, 12:56 pmWomen officers for women detainees or better yet…two female officers per female detainee…two male officers per male detainee…..Treat a detainee like a human beung…PLEASE……….
Posted by sue johnson | October 27, 2013, 1:16 pmWow… how does this even happen? How does he get her in a room alone without a camera? Poor woman… not to mention her daughter.
Posted by Ted Jones | August 20, 2013, 1:49 pmThis is outrageous, not only should the Marshal be prosecuted but the judge should be also. What the hell is wrong with the judge that she just turns her back and pretends that she is unaware of what was going on, what a coward.
Posted by Paul | August 20, 2013, 1:51 pmYou’re right, she is a coward. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was something they were holding over her to make her act that way. That young lady had a lot of guts with her daughter being there to stand up to these people. This is sickening .
Posted by Judy | October 27, 2013, 11:32 amSure, they were fired. I am glad. But if it were you are me, we would be fired AND put in jail to await trial. SEE? The system stogies remain aloof and above the law still. Sick.
Posted by scott | August 20, 2013, 2:33 pmThe war on drugs allows for all kinds of excuses to get up someone’s business. It allows for lots of hanky panky.
Posted by Charles Decelles | August 20, 2013, 3:07 pmThis is what happens in a fascist militarized police state.
Posted by ed coonce | August 20, 2013, 3:21 pmHow does this evil, lazy, mentally deficient “judge” keep her job? What a despicable state.
Posted by toomuchexperience | August 20, 2013, 4:14 pmthat judge is an ASSHOLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Dick J Head | August 20, 2013, 5:45 pmA coward, is more accurate. They are afraid of the police and the prosecutors office. They are out-numbered.
Posted by terence francis | October 27, 2013, 2:42 pmThe other officer who did the arrest needs firing as well…. all three officials in that room need firing… from what I’m reading, only 2 got that.
Posted by Kili | August 20, 2013, 8:08 pmTHAT JUDGE NEEDS TO BE FIRED!
Posted by Clint | August 20, 2013, 9:11 pmYes, the court officers and the judge were wrong based on what the video showed (whether Ms. Contreras was molested or not, of course a crime if that happened) and none should be in those jobs. But she should not have come to a scheduled court appearance in a miniskirt.
It is also disturbing that they made up a “law” about her right to merely make an accusation (and did an apparently unwarranted search anyhow, as she was presumably free to leave) BUT you don’t come to a scheduled court appearance court dressed that way.
And before anyone asks if I therefore say she was “asking for it”, the answer is no. I’m merely pointing out that she engendered an image which apparently brought out the worst in a man unfit to be a court officer. Incidentally, why did she reportedly wait TWO MONTHS to file a complaint?
Posted by Rick | August 24, 2013, 2:18 pmShe can dress however the hell she wants. If she came naked, there’s still no excuse. Even mentioning her attire is totally pointless and draws away from any kind of solution.
It doesn’t matter how long she waited to file a complaint, or anything like that. Your complaints are totally irrelevant to the case and, despite intentions, misogynistic.
Posted by Justin Acuff | August 24, 2013, 2:34 pmYou are so right Justin, thanks for your comment !
Posted by Bettye | October 27, 2013, 11:14 amReally your worried about her skirt this is exactly what we are talking about it does not matter what she wears, no business assaulting her. To even say something like that provides that you have no knowledge of rape or sexual assault. Thus you are blaming the woman for it happening not the cop. She was a victim not him an for you to voice something like this means your just as bad as the cop
Posted by Steven Ray Belcher | October 27, 2013, 10:48 amRick, you could not be more representative of the problem if you were paid to do it. It doesn’t matter what she wore to Court. She could have shown up in a thong and two postage stamps. SHE brought out the worst in a man unfit to be a court officer? SHE did no such thing. SHE showed up for a hearing like she was supposed to do. SHE was respectful and appropriate throughout. SHE was the VICTIM, you twatwaffle.
Posted by Susan Shaddock | October 27, 2013, 11:17 amHer outfit was in no way inappropriate or had anything to do with “bringing out the worst in a man” if that’s the case then strip clubs, beaches, gyms or halloween wouldn’t be allowed to exist because of the threat of attire bringing out the worst in a man. What kind of dumb argument is that? The reason the judge let it happen is because that woman was younger and more attractive than her and there are women that let this innate competition between them impair their judgement. As a woman she shouldn’t have let her suffer through that and play with her little daughter while it was going on. That was even more of a slap in the face to the way she was treated and the message it sends to that little girl.
Posted by Marc 'Sketch' Blair | October 27, 2013, 11:50 amAlso, why did she wait two months to complain??? SHE COMPLAINED IMMEDIATELY and it got her arrested…that was enough fear for her to instantly recant and say it was all lies…how can you be in front of a judge asking for help while your rights are being violated and think that reporting it later on would even help…she was brave enough for saying what she did at that moment and was immediately struck down…why do you think she would still hold on to a positive outcome after reporting it?
Posted by Marc 'Sketch' Blair | October 27, 2013, 11:53 amYou are an ASS! There is absolutely nothing wrong with how she is dressed! And “YES” you are saying that she is attractive and therefore “Was asking for it”. As previously stated: YOU ARE AN ASS!
Posted by RM Dunn | October 27, 2013, 12:19 pmRick, There is NO excuse for assaulting someone!!
so don’t look for a partial explanation or cause.
Who knows how many times those officers assaulted woman, who knows how many times the judge ignored those victims.
This whole thing sickens me.
Posted by Tom Schroeder | October 27, 2013, 2:36 pmFuck you Rick.
Posted by Scarlett | October 27, 2013, 11:53 pmwhat BS,,this is our court system at it’s worst!!! and they continue to get away with it,,wear a badge and do what you want,I HOPE SHE SUES THE HELL OUT OF THEM AND WINS!!!!
Posted by Glen | October 27, 2013, 11:18 amIt can’t hurt to share of how it angers me to see grown men hurting women.
Posted by Justin Bliss | October 27, 2013, 11:39 amSome law enforcement individuals have gotten too big for their badges…
Posted by James D. Covington | October 27, 2013, 11:58 amfire arrest and penalize with a pay hefty fine for the judge. for her
arrogance to the public her ignorance and for failing to do her job.
Posted by msario | October 27, 2013, 12:06 pmLooks like this happened in Vegas, in case anyone’s interested. I work in the criminal justice system in a different state and I know I was curious to find out where it occurred.
Posted by Liza | October 27, 2013, 12:13 pmThank Goodness for people who turn in video tapes and leak info to the news people to help catch bad cops and crooked Judges and supposedly law enforcing personnel. They can be just as bad as anyone else.
Posted by Janet Bailey | October 27, 2013, 12:26 pmWhy was the “Marshall” only fired??? Why is he not in jail for all kinds of violations of the law, including violations of civil rights, and of his professional duties??
Why was the Hearing Master, Patricia Doninger, not also disbarred — in addition to having been dismissed from the bench — for violations of her professional responsibilities, both as a judge and as an attorney sworn to uphold the laws of the state?
Posted by David | October 27, 2013, 12:39 pmI’m DISGUSTED by this video, I hope that [bad word] of a judge is fired, sitting there and ignoring the mothers plea.
My heart goes out to the mother.
I’m happy this video is out, now everybody that knows the judge will hate her!
Posted by Tom Schroeder | October 27, 2013, 2:25 pmI’ve encountered this before from judges. Courtroom reality is that too often the judge is afraid of the combined forces she might be taking on. i.e. Police, prosecutors, etc.
Posted by terence francis | October 27, 2013, 2:40 pmMy God, how on earth does this happen? Here in Scotland, in an official capacity, any work related area, kids or woman, it is illegal for anyone to be left in a 1 on 1 situation. For me who worked with kids for 15 years, it protected me and my staff from lies from parents or kids. It’s called Disclosure Scotland,,bus, taxi drivers etc need one. just smart thinking, and stops this from happening. Anyone that can come in contact with a kid under 17 years old needs one. I get mine every year. http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/
I just find this all staggering,, hope I can share the blog that brought me here, http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/10/27/us-please-arrest-nurse-but-this-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/
Coming from a different culture, I find this all very disturbing and just ..I have no words, truly
Great blog, Shaun.
Thank you for sharing this
Posted by prayingforoneday | October 27, 2013, 7:21 pm