Full Breakdown
Ninth Circuit Judge Ryan D. Nelson Charged with Misdemeanor Battery Over Idaho Falls Parking Dispute
6/7/2026, 10:24:30 PM
Incident Overview
On April 2, 2024, in a parking lot in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Ninth Circuit Judge Ryan D. Nelson was involved in a physical confrontation that resulted in misdemeanor battery and malicious injury to property charges. The incident involved a man whose glasses were removed, tossed, and stepped on. Video released by the Idaho State Journal shows Nelson acting aggressively.
Judicial Background
Nelson, an Idaho Falls native, was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2018 and confirmed to the Ninth Circuit that year. The court’s heavy criminal docket makes his continued service while facing charges a matter of public interest.
Key Actors
Key parties are Judge Ryan D. Nelson; city attorney Zachary Jones, who filed the charges; defense lawyer Curtis Reed Smith; Idaho Falls police; and the unidentified man involved in the parking-space dispute.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
Official Responses
The Ninth Circuit, city attorney’s office, police department, and Nelson’s spokesperson declined comment. Court filings are the only official source on the charges and procedural status.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentary notes that Nelson continues to hear appellate cases while criminal charges are pending, raising concerns about impartiality and public confidence. Observers call for procedural safeguards when judges face personal legal challenges.
On-the-Ground Evidence
Video shows Nelson’s truck across two spaces, his confrontational stance, and the removal and tossing of the man’s glasses. No injuries beyond property damage are documented.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources lack statements from the alleged victim and detailed police reports, leaving property damage and medical treatment unspecified. The Ninth Circuit’s silence creates uncertainty about any internal judicial response.
Why It Matters
The case raises concerns about judicial impartiality and could prompt calls for recusal, given the Ninth Circuit’s high-profile caseload and the judge’s ongoing duties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nelson of the Ninth Circuit has been charged with misdemeanor battery, according to court records.” — Bloomberg Law
- “Nelson pleaded not guilty May 13 to both charges, which were filed April 22, according to court records for Idaho’s 7th Judicial District in Bonneville County.” — Bloomberg Law
- “A pretrial conference is scheduled for June 18, court records show.” — Bloomberg Law
- “A federal appeals court judge nominated by President Donald Trump is facing misdemeanor criminal charges after allegedly swiping a man's glasses off his face, throwing them across a parking lot, and stomping on them during a dispute over a parking space — and two months later, he is still hearing cases, according to weekend news reports.” — RawStory
What's Next
A pretrial conference is set for June 18; the court will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or results in dismissal.
