Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Senior Federal Judge Busted Behind the Wheel after Using Coke (Not Charged with DUI)

Screenshot from the Atlanta Journal Constitution
Retired federal judge Jack T. Camp is facing some torrid allegations involving the classic combo of "hookers and blow".  Judge Camp was recently arrested by FBI agents after allegedly purchasing sex and drugs including cannabis, cocaine, and other illegal substances. According to blog posts, Judge Camp was harsh on those accused of drug crimes, stating in open court that he was a big believer in the prison system

If the allegations are true, Judge Camp may soon be finding out just what a raw deal the taxpayers are getting from modern America's penal industry.

One has to wonder whether Hon. Judge Camp really started using coke and weed at 67 or whether he has been using whatever substances he liked while sentencing people for buying or selling the same drugs he was using. 

It remains to be seen what will become of this allegedly criminal jurist.  His arrest has provoked a number of fascinating questions, such as why we are not drug testing judges, how many other federal judges are using substances, and why we prohibit drugs if you can use them and still be mentally competent to be a judge?

Actual Excerpt from the FBI Report
One issue of interest to those who follow impaired driving cases is the facts involving a vehicle.  According to the feds' report in this case, Camp and a stripper that was a confidential informant snorted some coke at a "titty bar".  Afterwards the informant was in Camp's passenger seat while he was in the driver seat (with a gun!).

While the report does not describe any driving behavior on the part of the judge, it seems perfectly safe to assume that Camp drove away after snorting coke.  For some reason, there has apparently been no outcry from MADD or any state prosecutors resulting in charges for what could have been an instance of driving under the influence of an illegal substance.

This turn of events challenges my normal adminition that we could do away with DUI by using breath activated ignition interlocks.  But we have to remember that for every alcohol impaired driver out there, we may be missing someone in charge of punishing folks in the war on drugs that is too high on coke to get behind the wheel.  We wish the best for Judge Camp, as he may simply be the victim of a rogue informant who has fabricated evidence against him.  If so, and he is exonerated, we hope he will joing us in speaking out against the war on people who are impaired and other punitive measures that are too harsh and designed to fail.