Helena-West Helena, Ark. — A former district court judge has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after being convicted of making false statements to the FBI. Thomas David Carruth, 64, of Clarendon, was found guilty of this charge, although he was acquitted of more serious allegations, including bribery and fraud.
The sentencing took place on Monday before United States District Court Judge D. Price Marshall Jr., who imposed a 24-month prison term on Carruth. Court documents highlighted that Carruth had previously presided over both criminal and civil cases during his tenure.
In April 2022, Carruth engaged in inappropriate conduct when he met with the girlfriend of a defendant involved in a criminal case he was overseeing. He solicited her for sexual favors in exchange for assistance regarding her boyfriend’s situation, which was captured on a recording. This recording ultimately prompted an investigation by the FBI.
During the inquiry, the jury found that Carruth had made false statements to FBI agents about the nature of his interactions with the girlfriend. He denied making any advances or suggesting sexual encounters when questioned. However, the evidence contradicted his claims, as he had explicitly asked the girlfriend about her feelings towards sex and expressed interest in seeing her in lingerie.
Alicia D. Corder, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office, emphasized the damaging impact of such misconduct on community trust. “Officials who violate the public’s trust for personal gain have no place in our Arkansas communities,” she stated, reaffirming the FBI’s commitment to combat corruption.
Jonathon D. Ross, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, echoed this sentiment in announcing the sentence. He highlighted that judges who misuse their authority undermine public confidence in the judicial system. “The sentence underscores that no one, including a corrupt judge, is above the law,” he said.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, which continues to collaborate with the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force to address issues of corruption in the state.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and adherence to ethical standards within the judiciary, reinforcing the notion that justice must be upheld for the benefit of the public.
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