Metropolis Reality Forums - Judge Found Guilty

Sponsored by: The Fans!

Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register.
Nov 24^th, 2024, 9:06pm

Upcoming Premiere Dates:
Survivor 23, Season premiere
Thursday, September 14 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on CBS

Metropolis Reality Forums Ť Judge Found Guilty ť

   Metropolis Reality Forums
   Off-Topic Forums
   In the News (Moderators: lakelady, yesteach, MediaScribe, Bumper, Isle_be_back)
   Judge Found Guilty

Previous topic | New Topic | Next topic »

Pages: 1

Add Poll

Notify of replies

Send Topic

Author

Topic: Judge Found Guilty (Read 175 times)

Rhune
ForumsNet Administrator

Gender:

Posts: 292

Judge Found Guilty
« on: Aug 25^th, 2003, 4:48pm »

Quote

Modify

SANTA FE, New Mexico (AP) -- A former judge found guilty of offering female defendants lighter sentences in exchange for sex was sentenced to three years in prison.

Former Espanola Municipal Judge Charles Maestas had a courtroom full of supporters Saturday and more than 150 letters written on his behalf, but Judge Michael Vigil said he deserved prison.

"Your situation's real disturbing," Vigil told Maestas. "You will never know the damage you have done to the judiciary."

Maestas, who could have received more than 50 years in prison, was convicted of rape and bribery. Six jurors later claimed they had not meant to convict Maestas of rape, but Vigil denied the former judge's request for a mistrial.

Prosecutor Julie Ann Meade characterized Maestas as a "serial rapist" who victimized vulnerable women who appeared in his court. "He used the very fact that he was a judge as his weapon to commit this crime," she said.

Defense lawyer Stephen Aarons said he plans to appeal.

Maestas, a former police officer, probation officer and judge, probably will serve most of his sentence in solitary confinement.

Vigil sentenced Maestas to nine years in prison, with six years suspended. He could be eligible for parole in 18 months.

IP Logged