Powerful judge becomes another defendant

District Judge Pat Murdoch's picture still hangs in the state courthouse in Albuquerque.

With his shaved head and unwavering gaze, Murdoch's image stands out from the rest of the judges whose photos fill a wall.

Deeper inside, written reminders on courtroom doors tell litigants and visitors that other judges are picking up Murdoch's cases. The notes provide no details.

Most people already know that police arrested Murdoch two weeks ago on suspicion of raping a prostitute. The woman alleged that she had been at Murdoch's house eight times and that he assaulted her twice.

The worst of the criminal charges against Murdoch, who is disabled and undersized, may be exposed as lies.

But the judge is unlikely to regain his bench, as proof of his consorting with a prostitute appears ample.

Courtrooms are full of sad stories, and Murdoch's is one of those. He lectured and punished countless men for the types of crimes he is accused of. Now, he is a high-profile defendant who will appear in front of some other judge.

One consequence today of Murdoch's trouble was another delay in the state's 2-year-old case against former secretary of state Rebecca Vigil-Giron.

She says she is innocent of the 49-count indictment alleging misspending of federal money for a voter-education program.

With a new special prosecutor and no judge, Vigil-Giron's case is being pushed back to the starting line.

Like Murdoch, she is fighting for her reputation and her career. Tainted by the charges, she said she has not been able to work.

Murdoch was to preside over her trial. Now he has to prepare a defense of his own.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_18595963