Arkansas judge accused of 'preying' on young men in courtroom for 30 years resigns

Investigators say they found 'thousands' of thousands of photographs on his computers

Marci Manley/YouTube

An Arkansas judge accused of being a “criminal predator” has stepped down from the bench after allegations emerged that he used his position of power for three decades to sexually abuse young men who appeared in his courtroom.

Although the initial allegations were made public last year, Cross County District Judge Joe Boeckmann resigned on Monday after new accusations came to light. According to documents obtained by the Associated Press, Mr Boeckmann allegedly photographed and paddled men for lighter sentences - particularly those who could not afford the fines associated with their charges, or men who were afraid of losing their children or jobs.

One case alleges that Mr Boeckmann forced a man to strip naked, wear handcuffs, and pose for photographs.

“He's a criminal predator who used his judicial power to feed his corrupt desires. Every minute he served as a judge was an insult to the Arkansas Judiciary,” executive director of the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC), David Sachar, told the AP. The JDDC had reportedly been investigating the judge, who does not yet face criminal charges.

In his resignation letter Mr Boeckmann did not admit to the allegations, but he said he would not serve in a public office again.

“I further promise to never seek employment as a local, county, or state employee or public servant in the State of Arkansas,” the letter said.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette said that Mr Sachar and a panel of investigators expects to receive “an excess of 3,400 more photographs very soon”. At least 1,050 photographs had already been found by investigators on the judge’s computer. The JDDC said they are also issuing a subpoena for the paddle identified by witnesses as Mr Boeckmann’s.

According to documents, the Mr Boeckmann favoured white men, and allegedly sentenced many to “community service” that he did not record on court dockets. These included various tasks, such as picking up garbage at his house, as well as numerous sexual acts. Some of these relationship, CBS says, lasted years - at least two reportedly lasted as many as five.

The JDDC listed 55 witnesses who will testify against Mr Boeckmann. At least 12 victims have been identified by investigators.