Massachusetts Judge Resigns Day After Suspension For Sexual Courthouse Affair

Boston, MA - 4/24/18 - Judge Thomas Estes (cq) listens as his attorney addresses the court.In the case of Estes, arguments are made in front of the full court (cq) (5 justices) of the Supreme Judicial Court (cq), in the John Adams Courthouse (cq). Arguing for the the Committee on Judicial Conduct (cq) is attorney Howard Neff (cq). For Estes is David Hoose (cq). Also in court is former court worker Tammy Cagle (cq), with whom Estes admits to having an affair. He attorney is Leonard Kesten (cq).Photo by Pat Greenhouse/Globe StaffTopic: 25estesReporter: Maria Cramer
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 24: District Court Judge Thomas Estes listens as his attorney addresses the court as arguments are made in front of the five justices of the Supreme Judicial Court in the John Adams Courthouse in B... BOSTON, MA - APRIL 24: District Court Judge Thomas Estes listens as his attorney addresses the court as arguments are made in front of the five justices of the Supreme Judicial Court in the John Adams Courthouse in Boston on April 24, 2018. The Pittsfield judge, who has admitted to having repeated sex with a court clinician, asked the states highest court to let him keep his job during a highly unusual hearing that explored whether his conduct had irrevocably damaged his ability to serve on the bench. Tammy Cagle, the court clinician who has sued Estes for sexual harassment in federal court, wants Estes off the bench. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) MORE LESS
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BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts judge who engaged in sexual acts with a social worker in his courthouse chambers has resigned.

A spokeswoman for the Supreme Judicial Court says Judge Thomas Estes submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, one day after he was suspended indefinitely by the court.

The letter, addressed to the chief justice of the state’s district court system, said the resignation will be effective on June 15.

Estes wrote he was grateful to have had the chance to serve as a judge, and was leaving with “great sadness.”

Estes could have been subject to removal proceedings by the state Legislature had he sought to continue serving.

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