On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, USA TODAY reported that a former Arkansas judge, Thomas David Carruth, was found guilty of lying to federal authorities about attempting to solicit sexual favors from the girlfriend of a defendant whose case was before him. The conviction came after a jury determined that Carruth made false statements to the FBI regarding his inappropriate behavior, which included requests for sexual favors.

The case against Carruth stemmed from interactions he had with the woman, who recorded their conversations without his knowledge. In these recordings, Carruth allegedly made suggestive comments while discussing how he could assist her boyfriend with his legal troubles. The woman subsequently provided the recordings to law enforcement, leading to an investigation by the FBI.

During the conversations, Carruth is heard asking the woman how she would feel about sex and even inquiring about her lingerie. One notable exchange includes Carruth saying, “The next step back… is… do you have any nice lingerie?” This direct approach to sexual solicitation starkly contradicts his statements to the FBI, where he claimed he did not think about sex with her at all.

The indictment against Carruth was filed in the Eastern District of Arkansas, highlighting the seriousness of his actions, especially given his position as a judge. The Department of Justice announced the verdict, noting that Carruth faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for his conviction. However, a date for sentencing has yet to be established.

Carruth’s legal troubles are not new. He had previously been admonished by the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission in 2018 for creating an appearance of impropriety, following allegations that were similar to those raised by the woman who recorded him. This history of questionable conduct painted a troubling picture of Carruth’s tenure in office, which began in 2012.

In its admonishment of Carruth, the commission cited concerns about his conduct, which allowed suspicion to arise regarding his interactions with women involved in cases before him. They noted that the judiciary relies heavily on public trust and confidence, which can be jeopardized by actions that suggest a lack of adherence to the Code of Judicial Conduct.

In January 2023, Carruth was arrested and charged, and he resigned from his position shortly after the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence in June of that same year. His attorney, Jeffrey M. Rosenzweig, expressed gratitude toward the jury for their consideration, acknowledging their conviction on one charge while maintaining that they disagreed with the verdict.

While Carruth was acquitted of additional charges, including bribery and honest services fraud, the conviction for lying to the FBI underscores the serious nature of his offenses. The legal repercussions for Carruth could extend beyond prison time, potentially impacting his professional reputation and future opportunities.

 

 

Source: USA TODAY