A former judge in upstate New York was sentenced to state prison for abusing his position in exchange for sex, prosecutors said.
Paul M. Lamson, a former justice for the Town of Fowler Justice Court at St. Lawrence County, New York, for more than 10 years, was sentenced to two to six years for providing favorable rulings to defendants in exchange for sexual favors, said Attorney General Eric. T. Schneiderman.
“For a judge to exploit their power and take advantage of someone in such a vulnerable position is truly reprehensible, and erodes public trust in our judicial system,” said Schneiderman. “My office will continue working to root out public corruption and abuse of power, and bring those responsible to justice.”
Lamson resigned in December 2016. He admitted to soliciting and accepting sexual favors from those who had pending criminal cases before him.
He pleaded guilty to a felony, and bribery and misconduct charges. Lamson will also pay a $2,500 fine.
