Judge Herman Thomas

Mobile, Alabama, Circuit Judge Herman Thomas resigned in 2007 amidst allegations that he removed prisoners from their cells and spanked them in his office.

Thomas was indicted in the spring of 2009 on charges including sodomy, extortion and ethics violations. Jury selection in Thomas' trial got underway on Monday, October 5, 2009. On October 26, 2009, Thomas was found not guilty on charges of sex abuse, sodomy and assault.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jnYddEtxcAxmY6345b199k3LPVjAD9B4CO6G0 http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/26/alabama.judge.inmate.sex/

In 2001, Thomas was accused by several male inmates of extorting sexual favors in return for helping them. Though the charges were dismissed, those accusers were involved with the ongoing investigation into Thomas.