A local judge in Arkansas resigned from the bench after a state disciplinary panel threatened to sanction him for allegedly trading sexual favors with female defendants in exchange for their release during bond hearings.
Judge Timothy Parker of the Carroll County District Court in Arkansas resigned his post this week and agreed never to serve in the judiciary again, after the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission considered bringing an administrative charge against him over the sexual misconduct allegations. The commission also claims he may have traded cash and prescription drugs with the women.
Parker fervently denies the charges. However, he admitted to releasing or lowering bail for defendants with whom he had personal relationships, including friends and former clients.
The commission says the sexual misconduct allegations are corroborated by video statements from at least a dozen women claiming Parker solicited them for sexual favors. The commission says it has text messages and recordings to this effect, as well. (Judge Actually Jokes About Temptresses And Drunk Sex In Court)
“Bonds would be set, or release of the women on their own recognizance was ordered by going to the jail or via telephone,” said David Sachar, the commission’s executive director. “The bonds or release of these women or their family or friends were done by their request in exchange for sexual favors.”
“He’s never going to be a judge again,” he added.
Parker told The Associated Press that he resigned in the face of the commission’s threat because he hoped to shield his family from a prolonged and embarrassing investigation. “I have young children and I don’t want them exposed to that kind of crap,” he said.
He was first appointed to the bench in 2013 by Gov. Mike Beebe. He still faces a criminal investigation, which is being conducted by a special prosecutor.
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