Judge fights for job after admitting to courthouse affair

BOSTON — Massachusetts' highest court will decide the fate of a judge who admitted to having an affair with a clinical social worker that included sexual encounters at the courthouse.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct is asking for Judge Thomas Estes to be suspended indefinitely without pay to give lawmakers time to decide whether to remove him from the bench for his relationship with Tammy Cagle, who worked in the special drug court where Estes sat.

Cagle has accused Estes of pressuring her into performing oral sex on him in his chambers and her home.

Estes denies he ever harassed Cagle or pushed her to do anything she didn't want to do. He's urging the court for a four-month suspension.

The court will hear Estes' case Tuesday.

Associated Press