Ventura Judge Arrested Twice, Allegedly Violated Probation Rules

Robert C. Bradley, the Ventura County judge who was suspended after two drunk-driving convictions this winter, was arrested twice Saturday for incidents involving his estranged wife, officials said.

Bradley was first picked up at 2:20 a.m. Saturday after allegedly getting drunk, breaking into his estranged wife’s house and refusing to leave. He was released on bail Saturday afternoon only to be arrested again about 6:30 p.m. after allegedly telephoning his wife from a Ventura halfway house--a violation of a restraining order.

Bradley, 57, a former presiding judge of the Ventura County Superior Court, was arrested the first time for a probation violation. Terms of his probation require that he abstain from alcohol.

He could not be arrested for illegal entry because he remains a co-owner of the home, according to a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

The day marked perhaps the lowest point yet for Bradley, a former prosecutor who had become one of the most respected members of the local bench. In mid-January, court officials suspended him from his job when he came to work apparently intoxicated, after two drunk-driving arrests in the previous four weeks.

Bradley has been fighting to retain his job until his judicial term ends in December. He also has said he wants to serve in retirement as a temporary judge.

In his response to the commission, Bradley denied that he had a chronic drinking problem. Through an attorney, he said his recent bouts with alcohol stemmed from marital problems.