Ex-Judge Must Take Anger-Management Classes

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A former Maryland judge who pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation for ordering a defendant to be physically shocked in his courtroom will have to take anger-management classes as part of his sentence.

Robert C. Nalley of La Plata, Maryland, was sentenced Thursday in federal court to the classes along with a $5,000 fine and a year on probation. Under a plea agreement, both prosecutors and Nalley's lawyer had recommended one year's probation.

Under the agreement, Nalley acknowledged that while presiding over a criminal trial in 2014, he ordered a deputy sheriff to activate a "stun-cuff" a defendant was wearing around his ankle. Documents say the defendant fell and screamed after being shocked.

Nalley acknowledged the stun cuff's use was "unreasonable under the circumstances." He can no longer hear cases in the state.
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A former Maryland judge who pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation for ordering a defendant to be physically shocked in his courtroom is set to be sentenced.

Robert C. Nalley of La Plata, Maryland, awaits a scheduled sentencing Thursday in federal court.

Nalley faces a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a fine up to $100,000. But according to a plea agreement, prosecutors and Nalley's lawyer will recommend one year's probation.

Under the agreement, Nalley acknowledged that while presiding over a criminal trial in 2014, he ordered a deputy sheriff to activate a "stun-cuff" a defendant was wearing around his ankle. Documents say the defendant fell and screamed after being shocked.

Nalley acknowledged the stun cuff's use was "unreasonable under the circumstances."

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