Federal Judge Resigns After Requesting Nudes from Assistant Prosecutor
Usually, judges are the ones cracking down on people who request nude photos from colleagues. Not this time. A federal judge in Alaska is in the hot seat after asking one of his assistant prosecutors to send nude pictures to him earlier this year.
Apparently, the unnamed assistant prosecutor wasn't the only one uncomfortable with the judge's behavior. In May 2024, a special judicial council was tasked with investigating complaints that U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred created a hostile work environment for his law clerks.
It wasn't long before Kindred smelled blood in the water. Kindred resigned in July of 2024, just two months after the judicial council published its report. Many believe he did this to avoid possible impeachment. Unfortunately for this federal judge, just because he resigned doesn't mean the legal community will let him go quietly into the night.
When Did It All Start?
Nobody is sure just when Kindred first seasoned his chambers with sexual innuendo and inappropriate behavior. Apparently, according to the judicial council that investigated the matter, it had been going on for some time.
Kindred was appointed to the bench by then-President Donald J. Trump in 2019. At the time, there didn't seem to be any concerns about Kindred's character. However, within a couple of years, the district court started receiving complaints of sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact from the justice's staff.
What Really Happened?
It's impossible to say exactly what went down between Kindred and his female staff. However, one law clerk admitted that she had two sexual dalliances with the man, one of which took place at Kindred's Airbnb. She went on to say that the second sexual encounter was not consensual.
Other staff members complained that Kindred made inappropriate comments about his sexual desires and fantasies. They also indicated that he had texted them about his sexual experiences and proclivities.
This aligns with the allegations made by the assistant prosecutor, who claimed that Kindred first texted her about how attractive he thought she was. He then followed up with texts asking her to send "nudes."
According to the assistant prosecutor, the judge peppered his requests with promises to help her get a federal bench appointment if she sent him the explicit photos he requested.
According to an article in the ABA Journal, the ASA stated that she "had no other option because he has the power to ruin not only my career but my personal life, as well."
The Judicial Council's Findings
After conducting a thorough investigation of the many claims made against Judge Kindred, the judicial council found that his behavior amounted to sexual harassment and that he did indeed create a hostile work environment for his staff.
In a 30-page order, the council recommended that they proceed with impeachment against Kindred. Upon learning this, Kindred abruptly resigned in July 2024. He did not respond to the allegations formally.
What Does This Mean for Judge Kindred?
Kindred may have believed that he had avoided any further recriminations by resigning. However, the court may still move forward with impeachment. If this happens, Kindred will likely never hold high office again.
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