Judge resigns over gay sex scandal in Arkansas
Judge resigns, admitting no wrongdoing.
“There are numerous photos of naked young men bending over after an apparent paddling.”
–An excerpt from a letter from the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission referring to photographs found on the computer of Joseph Boeckmann, a judge in Cross County, Ark. The photos “all depict young men, many naked, who are in various poses inside the judge’s home and outside in his yard,” the letter continued.
Boeckmann allegedly gave defendants his phone number and requested they serve what he termed “community service” at his home. The men were all white and young (at least one may have been under 18), and were in the judge’s courtroom for minor offenses, such as traffic tickets. The New York Times reported that the commission has so far contacted three dozen people by name who allege trading inappropriate sex acts, paddling, and more with the judge in exchange for reduced or deferred fines or lighter sentences.
Boeckmann, who is not at this point facing criminal charges, resigned from his post on Monday, May 9. His lawyer, Jeff Rosenzweig, told The Times, the judge resigned because “he was going to vacate [the office] anyway.” Rosenzweig added, “He did not admit any wrongdoing, and is not going to admit any wrongdoing.”
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