Poker playing US judge censured

Poker playing US judge censured

Monday, 9 July 2012

Of all the places a US judge should avoid being seen, an illegal poker game is probably pretty high up the list. That elementary error was made by US District Judge Paul Hensley who has been censured by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

According to the Associated Press, Hensley attended “illegal poker games at a social club in 2008, including the night after he was re-elected, when police showed up.” The players hadn't broken any law but the organiser of the game at the Fraternal Order of Eagles clubhouse was charged with gambling-related offences.


According to the report, "the judge compounded his misconduct by identifying himself as a judge during the police search, which 'convey[ed] an appearance that he was asserting his judicial position to obtain special treatment.' In its totality, the judge's 'reckless behavior showed extremely poor judgment' and 'insensitivity to the high ethical standards incumbent on judges.'"


Hensley's attorney, David Besso, said that the judge had shown 'significant remorse' and was 'grateful' that more serious action hadn't been taken against him.



Tags: USA, legal