Former disgraced judge loses motion
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A U.S. magistrate judge says a disgraced former Knox County Criminal Court judge won’t be able to see evidence prosecutors are planning to use against him in an upcoming trial. Defense attorneys for ex-judge Richard Baumgartner want prosecutors to clearly identify what evidence they intend to use against Baumgartner for charges he covered up a pill distribution conspiracy. According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, Judge Clifford Shirley has ruled that the prosecutors are not required under federal rules to pinpoint what evidence they will use or outline their trial strategy. Baumgartner faces seven counts of misprision of a felony – not reporting the commission of a felony. He resigned last year after it was revealed that he was addicted to prescription painkillers. He pleaded guilty to a state offense of official misconduct. His trial is set for Oct. 23.
