CamCo Judge Arrested

A Camden County judge is on the other side of the bench. He faces child pornography charges. Steven Thompson was arrested at his home in Hadden Township on Wednesday. The 56-year-old judge who lost his leg during the Vietnam war is charged with possessing child pornography.

Authorities say the Camden County Superior Court judge had a videotape of a boy under 16 engaged in sexual acts. Prosecutors did not say how they found out. His lawyer said, “His mood is that he is ready to deal with the situation. He is a strong man, he is a war hero, lost his leg in Vietnam, has defended his country. He is strong physically, strong mentally, and we'll see what the evidence is and he is prepared to deal with it.”

The judge read a letter from the Chief Justice suspending Thompson from his judicial duty without pay. He is “conscientious, dedicated, fair, polite, never abused any attorneys, any litigants who came before him, treated women with respect, treated minorities with respect. He is truly respected by every one.”

This a fourth degree crime so the judge was released on his own recognaissance with this caveat. He is not allowed to have contact with any minor without supervision. The judge could do 18 months in jail if he is found guilty.

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