NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – An embattled Tennessee judge who is facing charges after allegations surfaced that he helped a woman with her legal troubles in exchange for sex has stepped down from the bench.
The Tennessean reports that a lawyer announced in court Friday that Davidson County General Sessions Judge Cason “Casey” Moreland has resigned effective April 4.
The lawyer’s comments came during a hearing for Moreland, who faces federal charges that he attempted to obstruct justice through bribery, witness tampering and retaliating against a witness.
A federal judge ruled that evidence showed there was probable cause to sustain the charges against Moreland. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe Brown ruled that he could be released from jail pending trial, with limitation.
A criminal complaint against Moreland showed that the judge learned in February that the FBI was investigating him for possible corruption. That investigation is centered on allegations that Moreland extorted sexual favors as well as travel and lodging in return for official acts, such as having fines dismissed for defendants.