Ex-Arkansas Judge Indicted on Federal Fraud, Bribery Charges

[WhiteTara]

Source: ABC

A former Arkansas judge accused of giving lighter sentences to defendants in exchange for nude photos and sexual acts has been indicted on federal fraud and bribery charges, according to a federal indictment unsealed Monday.

Former Cross County District Court Judge Joseph Boeckmann resigned in May after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual relationships with men accused of crimes dating back decades, to his time as a prosecutor. Boeckmann allegedly had more than 4,600 photos of nude or semi-nude men.

A grand jury accused Boeckmann of corruptly using his official position as an Arkansas district judge "to obtain personal services, sexual contact, and the opportunity to view and to photograph in compromising positions persons who appeared before him in traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases in exchange for dismissing the cases." The indictment is dated Oct. 5.

snip

The head of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, which conducted the initial investigation, has called the allegations "if not the worst, among the worst cases of judicial misconduct" in state history.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/arkansas-judge-indicted-federal-fraud-bribery-charges-42864510

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In the heart of blood red Arkansas.

[forest444]

1. It's a good start

But as anyone who's lived in the Deep South for at least a few years knows, this was just the tip of a very greasy iceberg.

[LittleGirl]

2. ewww eom

[RaymondLuxuryYacht]

3. I used to think the worst thing about Arkansas was the chiggers and humidity

Now I know it's the judges.

Here's another fine member of our criminal justice system http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2016/03/24/maggio-sentencing-in-federal-court-today

[Ligyron]

4. Jeez, most gay guys I know are better behaved than that.

I can see why some of the defendants took the deal. Take a couple wacks from the paddle sounds like what they used to do to boys in high school if they got caught smoking. That or suspension. But certainly not bare ass with pictures.

Posing nude? meeeh, no.

Small town, went on for at least 7 years involving hundreds of men and yet it took this long to come to light?

Weird comes in all flavors and persuasions I guess.

[sinkingfeeling]

5. I was watching CBS local news and they forgot to mention it.

[WhiteTara]

6. What's 4600 pictures among friends?

It's such a little thing, why would anyone want that on the news?

I only get Missouri news, so I have NO idea what's going on in Arkansas except for little bits here and there.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Former Arkansas Judge Indicted for Exchanging Lighter Sentences for Nude Photos

Former Arkansas Judge Indicted for Exchanging Lighter Sentences for Nude Photos

Mahita Gajanan @mahitagajanan
7:46 PM ET

He allegedly had over 4,600 photos of nude or semi-nude men




A former Arkansas judge accused of inappropriate sexual relationships with defendants was indicted on Monday on federal fraud and bribery charges.

A grand jury accused Joseph Boeckmann, former Cross County District Judge, of using his position “to obtain personal services, sexual contact and the opportunity to view and to photograph in compromising positions person who appeared before him in traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases in exchange for dismissing the cases.”

Boeckmann pleaded not guilty at an arraignment held Monday after the indictment, dated Oct. 5, was unsealed. He was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud, one count of federal program bribery, two counts of witness tampering and 10 counts of violating the federal Travel Act. According to the Associated Press, the most severe charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if Boeckmann is convicted.

Boeckmann, ordered held until a detention hearing on Wednesday, allegedly had over 4,600 photos of nude or semi-nude men. Several men have accused the former judge of sexual abuse and misconduct, with some saying Boeckmann paid to spank them with a paddle and take photos of the red skin. Others said they were paid to pose nude and use the money to pay off court fines.

More:
http://time.com/4534338/joseph-boeckmann-former-judge-indicted-nude-photos/

[Judi Lynn]

8. The Latest: Ex-judge booked into jail, in protective custody

The Latest: Ex-judge booked into jail, in protective custody
Oct 17, 8:29 PM EDT

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- The Latest on the indictment of a former Arkansas judge accused of trading lighter sentences for sexual favors and photos (all times local):

7 p.m.

A former Arkansas judge accused of giving lighter sentences to some defendants in exchange for nude photos or sexual favors is being held in protective custody at a county jail.

Online jail records show that Joseph Boeckmann was processed and booked Monday evening into the Pulaski County Detention Center in Little Rock. He's being held at the jail on a federal hold for U.S. marshals.

The local sheriff's spokesman, Capt. Carl Minden, confirmed that Boeckmann was in protective custody because of his previous roles as a district court judge and assistant prosecutor. Minden also said the 70-year-old former judge is on suicide watch.

More:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ARKANSAS_JUDGE_INDICTMENT_THE_LATEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-10-17-20-29-45

[WhiteTara]

9. I'll bet he is on suicide watch.

These kinds of people can never face the responsibility for their actions. Unfortunately, these kinds of people hold the reins of power in my state. Sickening.

[Judi Lynn]

10. They are everywhere, aren't they? Creepy tyrants until someething finally stops them.

It's damned sad they can do so much damage before they are derailed.

[WhiteTara]

11. You would think that in such a small town

in such a rural area that this would have gotten out before he could take 4600 pictures! I can't understand how he could escape notice for so long.

And you're right, they are petty little tyrants who swagger and intimidate.