Senate panel finishing evidence hearings in impeachment trial of Louisiana judge

Senate panel wrapping up impeachment hearings

WASHINGTON — Attorneys for Judge G. Thomas Porteous are wrapping up their defense before a Senate impeachment panel hearing a case that could make him just the eighth federal judge to be removed from the bench.

Porteous’ attorneys are calling the last of some two dozen witnesses who have testified over two weeks. Both sides will present closing arguments to the full Senate later this year.

The district judge from Louisiana is accused of taking kickbacks, filing a fraudulent bankruptcy and lying to Congress.

The House voted unanimously in March to impeach him, and senators have at times sharply questioned defense witnesses, expressing skepticism with their testimony.

A two-thirds Senate vote is needed to convict him.