Ex-Arkansas judge sentenced to 5 years in sexual favors case

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal judge sentenced a former Arkansas judge Wednesday to five years in prison — a stiffer punishment than prosecutors recommended — after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in return for personal benefits that included sexual favors.

Joseph Boeckmann's lawyer had wanted home detention for the 72-year-old, and prosecutors said he should go to prison for just over three years. After hearing from two of the ex-judge's victims, U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker said she had no choice but to impose an even longer sentence.

"He acted corruptly while serving as a judge. When his back was against the wall, he obstructed justice," Baker said. "That sets his crime apart."

Prosecutors said Boeckmann's pattern of misbehavior dated at least to the 1990s, when he was investigated while a part-time deputy Cross County prosecutor. Federal prosecutors decided against charging him after he agreed to give up his post in 1998.


Source : Yahoo News