Accused Judge Must Face Obstruction Charge

HOUSTON (AP) _ His lawyer says a judge was being a gentleman when he didn’t tell an investigating panel he had an affair with one of two women he’s accused of sexually abusing.

Defense lawyer Dick DeGuerin today unsuccessfully argued to have an obstruction of justice charge dismissed or severed from the first federal judge indicted on sex crime charges.

Jury selection beings Monday in Houston for U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent.

Prosecutors argued Kent obstructed justice when he lied to an investigating committee about the extent of his physical contact with one of the two women.

But DeGuerin said his client was only guilty of good manners in being discreet about the woman.

A federal judge from Florida is presiding.

Kent has pleaded innocent and remains on the bench. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

More News