Federal authorities rarely take on state judges. But when they do, the results are typically dramatic.
Minor- Diaz
2004- Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz and two other judges are indicted on charges of accepting bribes from prominent trial lawyer Paul Minor in exchange for favorable decisions. The case is still pending.
Operation Wrinkled Robe
2003-Jefferson Parish (LA)
Six judges plead guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for manipulating bonds in a local bail bondsman's favor.
Operation Courtbroom
1993- Dade County (FL)
Two Miami judges were convicted on various corruption charges that included racketeering, bribery, extortion, and money laundering. One was caught on FBI tape admitting that he took a bribe because "I gotta put my kid through college and I cannot do it on a judge's salary."
Operation Greylord
1984- Cook County (IL)
Greylord, so named after the curly wigs worn by British judges, first targeted a traffic clerk paying off Cook County judges to fix tickets. The FBI caught him red-handed on tape. In the end, 17 judges and 48 lawyers were indicted and nearly all of them were convicted.