Lighter side: Judge arrested for FBI beer bribe

A North Carolina judge stands to be convicted after allegedly trying to bribe an FBI official with several cases of beer.

Chairman of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission and Superior Court Judge Arnold Ogden Jones II has been accused of trying to bribe an FBI officer with “a couple of cases of beer”.
 
According to his federal indictment, Judge Jones asked an FBI officer to obtain some text messages between two phone numbers.
 
“I want down low – see what you can do without drawing attention,” he allegedly said. “This involves family so I don’t want anybody to know.”
 
After assuring the agent he could be trusted “one million per cent,” the judge offered “a couple of cases of beer” in payment.
 
The agent later told the judge he had a warrant for the text messages with Jones replying that the agent’s “pay check” was in the back of his car.
 
The pair eventually agreed on a price of US$100 for the texts. After the agent handed over a disk which purportedly held the messages, Judge Jones was arrested.
 
Jones faces charges on three counts: promise/payment of a bribe to a public official, promise/payment of a gratuity to a public official, and attempted corrupt influence of official proceeding. If he is convicted, he could face up to 37 years imprisonment.
 

Recent articles & video

UK family lawyers launch mental health resource for divorce clients

Bankruptcy attorney Jamie Sprayregen departs Kirkland & Ellis for Hilco Global

DLA Piper bolsters US-Africa practice with Kalidou Gadio as new co-chair

Lander & Rogers launches workplace law elective at QUT

CE Family Law's Louise Hunter had an Erin Brockovich for a grandma

WFW picks up win at 2024 Australian ADR Awards

Most Read Articles

Two Australian lawyers ascend to partner in major HFW promotions round

ALRC releases anti-discrimination, religious educational institution law recommendations

G+T puts teams on M&A deals

Three additions enhance G+T's partnership