Ex-Judge Denies Reducing Defendant’s Fine For Sexual Favors

WEST CARTHAGE, N.Y. (AP) — A former upstate New York judge has denied allegations that he used his position to elicit sexual favors from a defendant in return for reducing a traffic fine.

Forty-nine-year-old Delmar House pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in Jefferson County Court to charges of receiving bribes and receiving a reward for official misconduct.

The former West Carthage village judge faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if he's convicted on the first charge, a felony.

Authorities say the incident occurred in April 2015.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says any court official who exploits their position for sexual favors shows "blatant disregard" for their victim, the public's trust and the entire judicial system.

House served eight years as a judge before resigning for "personal and health reasons" in February.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]