Federal Lawmakers Go After Judge

HOUSTON (AP) _ U.S. House Judiciary Committee members are worried a judge in Texas could still get his full salary after pleading guilty in a sex crimes case.

Lawmakers are looking at possible impeachment proceedings against U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent.

Kent pleaded guilty Monday in Houston to lying about sexually abusing his secretary. Prosecutors dropped five sex-crime charges.

His attorney announced the 59-year-old judge was retiring, effective immediately. Kent makes just over $169,000.

Federal judges have to retire at 65 to collect their full salaries. A younger judge can retire and get a salary if he or she has a disability.

Kent said in court he was on medication for depression, anxiety and diabetes, plus was under the care of a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

Texas Congressman Lamar Smith says people should not have to pay another penny quote “to a judge whose shameful actions have tarnished the bench.”

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