Judge to retire after arrest incident

Judge to retire after arrest incident

Staff reports

NEWBURY — A federal judge who was reportedly wearing women’s clothing when he was arrested on charges of drunken driving is resigning his post.

The First District Bankruptcy Court announced yesterday that Robert Somma, 63, of Newbury will resign effective April 1 and has placed himself on leave until then. He was appointed to the bench in 2004.

Somma’s troubles began the night of Feb. 6, when he was arrested after rear-ending a pickup truck at a stop light.

The Manchester Union Leader reported that Somma was wearing women’s clothing and fumbled through his purse to find his license. Somma told police he had been at the Breezeway Pub, which calls itself "New Hampshire’s favorite gay and alternative bar."

Earlier this week, Somma did not contest charges of drunken driving, and under a plea deal was given a 12-month license suspension, which could be reduced to six months if he successfully completes an alcohol awareness program. He also paid $600 in fines and penalties.

Somma could not be reached for comment by The Daily News.

Gary Wente, the circuit executive, or chief administrator, of the U.S. First Circuit Courts, said Somma faced no disciplinary action for the incident. He said he voluntarily resigned.

"We are greatly disappointed at losing him as a judge," Wente said. "He was a first-class lawyer, a first-class judge and a quality human being."

The First Circuit courts comprise Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico.

Wente, who has known Somma since 2004, said he considers Somma "one of the very top judges, not only in the First Circuit, but in the country."

"He has exemplary legal skills and a brilliant mind, but overall the best quality he has is that he is outstanding with all people — the staff, the bar, everyone."

Somma has no judicial misconduct complaints filed against him and immediately called the court after the arrest and accepted responsibility.

Susan Goldberg, deputy circuit executive of the U.S. First Circuit Courts, also spoke highly of Somma.

"He was a very intelligent judge," she said. "One quality that is really important in a good judge is the ability to listen and consider very carefully each argument. It didn’t matter who was in front of him ... he treated everyone equally and fairly."

Wente said he’s spoken with Somma on the phone since his arrest but would not discuss their conversation. He would not comment on the reported circumstances surrounding his arrest.

Before being named judge, Somma had specialized in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency in private practice for the past 27 years and served as special assistant attorney general for bankruptcy matters for the state for 10 years. He taught classes at Boston University and is a fellow of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the American College of bankruptcy.

http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_047073731.html