Judge Who Swapped Sex For Reduced Sentences Resigns

An Arkansas judge who has been accused by a state panel of offering reduced sentences to young defendants in return for sex has resigned. Joseph Boeckmann was suspended over the allegations in November. The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, charged with overseeing judges, said it had recovered more than 1,000 images of nude or semi-nude young men – many taken in the judge’s home – from Boeckmann’s computer. The panel said it expects to recover about 3,000 more similar pictures. In his letter of resignation, Boeckmann said he would never again seek “employment as a local, county or state employee or public servant in the state of Arkansas.” Boeckmann’s attorney has denied the charges against him. Some individuals have told the commission that the misconduct has been going on for more than 30 years.