There is often an element of sadness in watching the self-destruction of a talented person. Such is the case with Chief U.S. District Judge Edward W. Nottingham.
Many in recent days and months have spoken about his legal acuity and propensity to demand, albeit sometimes in harsh terms, excellence from those around him.
But his recently announced resignation from the federal bench was the appropriate move.
The accomplished jurist needs to devote some time to getting his personal life in order, and the federal bench does not need the distractions provided by intermittent allegations of his randy extracurricular activities.
In announcing the resignation, the tight-lipped chief judge for the 10th U.S. Court of Appeals issued a statement saying the court has been investigating Nottingham for “multiple complaints of misconduct.”
One of those complaints reportedly centers on Nottingham’s visit to a strip club in 2005, where he spent $3,000 and was so inebriated he had trouble recalling the night.
He also had used his computer to access a dating site to show to his soon-to-be ex-wife, who was asking Nottingham about unfamiliar credit card charges. She described it as a “porn site.”
To be sure, spending money at a strip club or a “dating” website isn’t illegal, but it’s not conduct befitting a federal judge.
Recently, however, there have emerged more allegations that have raised significant questions about the judge’s integrity.
9News earlier this month cited a source, a former prostitute, who alleged Nottingham was a weekly patron of her escort service during some 20 months in 2003 and 2004, paying $250 to $300 an hour for sex with her.
Even more troubling, the television station also reported that the woman had filed a complaint with the 10th Circuit alleging Nottingham in March asked her to mislead investigators by denying he had paid her for sex.
If the allegations are true, they are potentially criminal. Furthermore, it’s more than the reputation of a judge can bear. How can you sit on the bench and protect the integrity of a case when your own has been so distastefully called into question?
It is a woeful fall from grace for a jurist who is known for his skill and strong work ethic. Nottingham had served as a federal judge for nearly 19 years and developed a reputation as one of the best legal minds on the Colorado bench.
Given the troubling allegations, Nottingham was prudent to step down. The resignation means there will be two open federal judge positions for the next U.S. president to fill. That must take place in a timely fashion.
Nottingham’s resignation becomes official next week. We hope he takes time to get the help he appears to need.
