Bankruptcy Judge Resigns Following Unusual DWI Publicity
A federal bankruptcy judge in Boston has resigned after his no-contest plea to driving while intoxicated.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Somma was charged with the offense after a Feb. 6 accident in which Somma’s Mercedes-Benz rear-ended a pickup, the Union Leader reports.
Anonymous sources told the Union Leader in a separate story that shortly before the accident Somma had been at a gay bar and was wearing a black cocktail dress, fishnet stockings and high heels. The arresting officer’s report did not mention Somma’s attire, but said he “had a difficult time locating his license in his purse.”
Gary Wenta, circuit executive for Boston’s First Federal Circuit, said Somma is highly respected and his resignation leaves him without a pension, the Boston Herald reports. “He decided with the media coverage the way it had been, it was best to put this behind him,” Wenta said. Somma was a frequent speaker on bankruptcy laws at Boston bar events.
“He’s a highly respected member of the bar and remains so,” Wenta said.
Under a plea deal, Somma will pay $600 in fines and penalties. His license will be suspended for 12 months, but the period could be reduced to six months if he successfully completes an alcohol awareness program.
