Judge Kent’s Disability Entitling Him to Retirement Pay Remains Secret
Details of retirement remain secret for a Texas federal judge who agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of justice on the eve of his trial for sexual abuse of two court employees.
U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent pleaded guilty on Monday to obstructing justice in an internal court probe of sexual abuse allegations. Afterward, his lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, announced the 59-year-old Kent would retire—an arrangement that apparently would allow the judge to keep his full salary and benefits.
Judiciary rules don’t allow federal judges to retire unless they are at least 65 years old, or unless they are certified as disabled by the chief judge for the circuit, the National Law Journal reports. In Kent’s case, Chief Judge Edith Jones of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in New Orleans would have to certify the disability.
The legal newspaper asked Jones’ office and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for details, but didn’t get a comment. Kent has been treated for diabetes and psychological problems for the last three years, according to disclosures made in court, the Houston Chronicle reports.
The ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee wants to prevent Kent from getting any retirement cash. U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin told the Chronicle that he will introduce an impeachment resolution after Kent is sentenced on May 11.
“Nobody should be paid by the taxpayers for sitting in jail and not hearing a case,” he told the Chronicle. “And if his honor wishes to avoid the embarrassment and expense of impeachment, he should resign.”
Hat tip to How Appealing.
