Gavel Grab

Former New York Judge Thomas J. Spargo, an election law expert convicted earlier of trying to solicit a $10,000 payment from a lawyer who was to appear before him, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.

Spargo, an Albany-based judge who tried cases in Ulster County, was sentenced for attempted extortion and attempted bribery, according to an article in the Syracuse Post-Standard. “Reprehensible,” was the way U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe characterized Spargo’s conduct, the Albany Times Union reported.

The Village Voice published a post headlined, “Thomas Spargo–Bush Campaign Operative Turned NY Judge–Gets 27 Months in Prison for Bribery, Extortion.” You can read the details of Spargo’s downfall in Gavel Grab, including concerns raised by some activists that it illustrates the need for reform of judicial elections.