Judge Kent Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Sex Charges

As expected, US District Judge Samuel Kent on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to one count of abusive sexual conduct and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual abuse. He entered his pleas in Houston before Judge Edward Prado of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Kent, who was indicted last week (earlier), said “For the record I absolutely intend to testify, and we are going to bring a horde of witnesses.” The charges arise from complaints made his former case manager Cathy McBroom. Kent claims their relationship was consensual.

Although Prado was not on the panel that late last year reassigned and suspended Kent over the allegations, he stated that a judge from outside the Fifth Circuit would be appointed. He released Kent on his own recognizance. Kent is continuing to hear cases (Houston Chronicle).