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Federal Judge Gets 3 Years in Sex Abuse Case

Congressmen press for resignation of Kent in first-ever such case

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 12, 2009 9:51 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A Texas judge was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in prison for lying to investigators in the first sex abuse case ever against a sitting federal judge, the AP reports. Samuel Kent pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in February; five sex-crimes charges related to two female employees were dismissed. “Your wrongful conduct is a huge black X, a smear on the legal profession, a stain on the judicial system itself,” said the presiding judge.

Kent’s former case manager and a secretary said they came to work scared Kent might find them, and would avoid answering phones to keep away from him; one said she was abused for 7 years. Kent’s lawyer says he has retired, allowing him to keep receiving his salary; House Judiciary Committee leaders are calling for his resignation, which would mean getting nothing.

Cathy McBroom, center, whose complaint began the case, walks away from the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, Feb. 23, 2009.
Cathy McBroom, center, whose complaint began the case, walks away from the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, Feb. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In a Feb. 23, 2009, file photo, Samuel Kent leaves the federal courthouse in Houston after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice.
In a Feb. 23, 2009, file photo, Samuel Kent leaves the federal courthouse in Houston after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice.   (AP Photo)
Samuel Kent, right, leaves the Houston federal courthouse yesterday after being sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison.
Samuel Kent, right, leaves the Houston federal courthouse yesterday after being sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Fondue
May 12, 2009 9:37 AM CDT
Could we possibly get shorter term limits for these people? I mean, a life appointment hardly seems fair to others with far more superior morals than this.
Mad
May 12, 2009 3:55 AM CDT
Ten bucks says the boy is a republican... just sayin'

Congressional impeachment process may start today
Houston Chronicle

 
Texas • prison • crime • sexual harassment • sexual abuse • judge • obstruction of justice • guilty plea • molestation • Samuel Kent

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