Ex-Judge Pleads Guilty To Corruption Charge
Celeste Smith
Story Created:
Sep 11, 2009 at 11:52 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 11, 2009 at 11:52 AM CDT
MACON, Ga. (AP) - A former Georgia Superior Court judge has pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge, in a deal with prosecutors that keeps him out of prison.
The plea by Brooks E. Blitch III ends a lengthy investigation by state and federal authorities who toppled him as one of rural Clinch County's most powerful politicians. The plea Friday morning came before U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson.
Blitch pleaded guilty to a single count of honest service fraud conspiracy for granting favors to defendants outside of court. He
admitted to reducing sentences and bonds and terminating probations without hearings or notifying prosecutors.
The 74-year-old Blitch resigned last year to settle misconduct charges by a state agency that investigates judges. Federal prosecutors indicted him on criminal corruption charges two months later.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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joe b said on Friday, Sep 11 at 3:10 PM
why is it that elected officials get plea bargains that John Q. Public is not entitled to. I will tell you why because the "Good Ole Boy system" is still in full effect.
Anonymous said on Friday, Sep 11 at 12:40 PM
What? No comments by concerned citizens! Go figures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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