Long Island Judge Accused Of Stealing Intern's Soiled Underwear

A Long Island judge ended up on the other side of the bench last week for allegedly breaking into his former intern's home to steal her soiled underwear.

Prosecutors say Suffolk County District County Judge Robert Cicale admitted to stealing underwear from the 23-year-old woman on more than one occasion.

On Thursday, Cicale allegedly broke in while the victim was home, according to The Associated Press. She called her mom, who in turn called the cops. They located the judge a few blocks away.

"He was found to be in possession with soiled female undergarments that we believe were either proceeds of this burglary or a prior burglary," Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron told NBC 4 in New York.

Despite the fact that the judge allegedly admitted to taking the underwear — and having urges to steal some from other women — he pleaded not guilty on Friday to second-degree burglary, a charge that could cost him 15 years behind bars. He was released on $50,000 bond and a judge ordered Cicale to steer clear of his ex-intern. Cicale will now be wearing a GPS tracking device, according to The Associated Press. He was also temporarily taken away from his judicial duties.

Prosecutors said that the judge has written an apology to the victim.  

Cicale is a husband and father who usually hears misdemeanor criminal cases in his county's district court. His lawyer pointed to his “good reputation” after Cicale’s court date last week.

"Every judge, every lawyer respects him, and we just have to see how the process plays out," Wexler told reporters after the hearing, according to The Associated Press.

[Photo: Suffolk County Police Department]