Former state judge Angus McGinty pleaded guilty to theft of honest services The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but he will be sentenced to two years i

Ex-District Judge Angus McGinty is accused of taking bribes for rigging cases. Ex-District Judge Angus McGinty is accused of taking bribes for rigging cases. Photo: Â©San Antonio Express-News/John Davenport Photo: Â©San Antonio Express-News/John Davenport Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Former state judge Angus McGinty pleaded guilty to theft of honest services 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

A former state judge is now facing two years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty Monday to a charge that he accepted things of value from a defense lawyer in exchange for favorable rulings in his clients' cases.

As part of a plea deal, Angus McGinty pleaded guilty to a single felony count of theft of honest services wire fraud, a charge widely used in public corruption cases and instances where private individuals breach a fiduciary duty to someone else (like in the Enron case). The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

With McGinty's lack of criminal record, federal guidelines recommended 41 to 51 months in prison, but by accepting the plea deal, he agreed to be sentenced later to two years in prison. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez set sentencing for July 15.

McGinty, who served as 144th District Judge from Jan. 1, 2011 until he resigned Feb. 14, 2014, declined to comment or say why he suddenly changed his mind as his lawyers began final preparations for what seemed to be a sure trial on May 11.

His lawyers, Jay Norton, Alan Brown and Mark Stevens also had no comment, and left long before McGinty, who waited out news media posted outside the federal courthouse to photograph him.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland