Ex-Arkansas judge sentenced to 5 years in sexual favors case

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal judge sentenced a former Arkansas judge Wednesday to five years in prison — a stiffer punishment than prosecutors recommended — after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in return for personal benefits that included sexual favors.

Joseph Boeckmann's lawyer had wanted home detention for the 72-year-old, and prosecutors said he should go to prison for just over three years. After hearing from two of the ex-judge's victims, U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker said she had no choice but to impose an even longer sentence.

"He acted corruptly while serving as a judge. When his back was against the wall, he obstructed justice," Baker said. "That sets his crime apart."

Prosecutors said Boeckmann's pattern of misbehavior dated at least to the 1990s, when he was investigated while a part-time deputy Cross County prosecutor. Federal prosecutors decided against charging him after he agreed to give up his post in 1998.

Richard Milliman of Memphis, Tennessee, became one of Boeckmann's victims after being stopped for driving 5 mph over the speed limit four years ago, then forgetting his trial date. The judge summoned Milliman to his house and took photos of him from behind as he picked up cans under the guise of performing community service, then shot photos of some of Milliman's tattoos.

Milliman, then 23, said he refused to pose David-like, even though he was offered $300 to mimic the Michelangelo work.

"I've never felt more betrayed by the justice system," Milliman told Baker, imploring her to impose a longer sentence than the 30- to 37-month term called for in federal sentencing guidelines. "How can a mere 37 months be a means to pay back society?"

Source: Yahoo News