In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Hinds County Mississippi Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter has now stated that he plans to plead guilty to charges that he lied to an FBI agent who was investigating a lawsuit revolving around asbestos. DeLaughter, once a respected judge is now facing 20 years of jail time, as well as a fine of $250,000.
DeLaughter’s career began well enough, and he gained prestige and respect during the 1990s after prosecuting a case that put white supremacist Byron de la Beckwith behind bars for the murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. But now, it is believed that DeLaughter’s ambition was his downfall. His desire to become a federal judge caused him to make some mistakes that have permanently tarnished his reputation. "This is the end of what, in many ways, was an exemplary career" says Matt Steffey, a professor at the Mississippi College School of Law.
Judge DeLaughter is accused of giving jailed lawyer Dickie Scruggs an unfair advantage. Scruggs was implicated in a dispute of millions of dollars in fees from asbestos-related lawsuits. Asbestos exposure can sometimes cause serious health problems, like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
DeLaughter was indicted on five counts in January, and has now decided to plead guilty to charges of obstructing and impeding an official proceeding when he was interviewed by FBI agents. "I think from Judge DeLaughter’s perspective, that charge of lying to the FBI made his case immensely more difficult to defend," advises Steffey.