Arkansas Judge Resigns after Sexual Favors Allegations
On December 31, 2016, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC) issued a removal letter to Carroll County District Court Judge Timothy Parker after statements from more than a dozen women indicated he had “engaged in a pattern of personal relationships with many female litigants” who appeared in his court from approximately 2013 to 2016.
According to the JDDC, Parker admitted he had improperly performed probable cause determinations, lowered bail amounts, released defendants who were friends or former clients of his, and in some cases gave rides to defendants. In the removal letter the JDDC stated: “The bonds or release of these women or their family or friends were done by their request in exchange for sexual favors. Allegations also exist about trading cash or prescription pills for sexual favors or money with many of the same women, as well as other women in the community.”
Judge Parker resigned from the bench the same day the letter was issued and agreed never to serve as a member of the Arkansas judiciary again. He told the JDDC that his decision to step down was influenced by the effect litigation would have on his family, as well as the time and expense involved. He had served as a judge since 1991.
Special Prosecuting Attorney Jason Barrett is reportedly investigating the evidence against Parker to determine if criminal charges should be filed.
Sources: www.courthousenews.com, www.arktimes.com, The New York Times
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