Judge Murdoch steps down after serving court for 26 years

From KOB-TV.com - By: Tracy Dingmann & Danielle Flores, KOB.com; Jeremy Jojola, KOB Eyewitness News 4 - The New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission announced Tuesday that 2nd Judicial Court Judge Albert ‘Pat’ Murdoch will retire effective 5 p.m. on Friday, July 29. Murdoch, who has been a criminal court judge for 26 years, is stepping down in the wake of allegations that he raped a prostitute in his home. In an agreement with the New Mexico Supreme Court, Murdoch agreed to permanently retire from judicial office in lieu of further disciplinary proceedings. He also agreed to never run for judicial office or seek or accept a judicial appointment in New Mexico. Murdoch has agreed that if he violates this agreement, he could be held in contempt of court and will “..agree, acknowledge and accept that all allegations lodged against me in this matter are admitted by me as fact...” In papers filed in state Supreme Court, the judicial commission said it would file a motion to accept Murdoch’s agreement. Upon granting the motion, the Supreme Court will unseal the entire Supreme Court file in the Murdoch matter. Shortly after his retirement announcement, Murdoch's attorneys sent out a statement. "Unfortunately, law enforcement has rushed to judgment before fully considering the facts and issues surround the case. Sadly they have damaged a good man's reputation beyond repair, making it impossible to remain on the bench." Read more

Judge Murdoch steps down after serving court for 26 years