Controversial Montana Judge to Retire

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana judge who drew condemnation over his comments in a teacher-student rape case says he plans to retire at the end of the year.

District Judge Todd Baugh said Tuesday his decision had nothing to do with criticism over his courtroom assertion that the 14-year-old rape victim appeared "older than her chronological age."

Baugh later apologized for that and other remarks he made in the case. He also sought unsuccessfully to impose a longer sentence that the one-month term he originally handed down.

The 72-year-old judge is the son of former Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh. He says his 30 years on the bench were rewarding, and he looks forward to spending more time with his five grandchildren.

His retirement plans were first disclosed by Billings television station KTVQ.