Gambling Addict removed from bench

Louisiana Judge Is Removed From Bench for Corruption in Rare Senate Action

The U.S. Senate voted to convict a federal judge accused of corruption and remove him from the bench, the first time that has happened in 21 years and only the eighth time in history.

Judge G. Thomas Porteous of New Orleans was charged with taking cash and bribes from lawyers and bail bondsmen with cases before his court, making false statements in declaring personal bankruptcy and lying to the Senate during his confirmation. At least two-thirds of the Senate voted guilty on each of the four charges, the threshold needed for a conviction.

The House earlier this year approved four articles of impeachment against Porteous, 63. It found that he had a gambling problem and was soliciting cash during his time as a federal judge and earlier while serving on a state court.