Criticized Over Financial Dealings With Stripper, Fla. Appeals Judge Resigns
Accustomed to accolades earlier in his career, a Florida appeals court judge hit a roadblock after he was accused of helping a longtime friend who is a stripper shield her assets from judgment creditors and taking gifts from her that he did not disclose on financial filings.
Although he had earlier vowed to fight legal ethics charges filed against him in January by the state Judicial Qualifications Commission, 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge Thomas Stringer Sr. resigned from the bench yesterday, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
“It was time,” his lawyer, J. David Bogenschutz, tells the newspaper. “At some point, you spend your whole career being a good judge and a decent public servant, and when people begin to cast aspersions on you and your record, it just isn’t worth it.”
It isn’t clear whether Stringer’s resignation will end the JQC case against the 64-year-old judge, the newspaper notes.
Earlier ABAJournal.com coverage:
Stripper Says Fla. Appeals Judge Shielded Her Assets
Discipline Case Filed Against Fla. Appeals Judge Over Stripper’s Assets
