The 'Repulsive Case' That Actually Made a Veteran Judge Break Down in Tears During Sentencing

A Queens County Supreme Court judge reportedly broke down in tears as he sentenced a man to up to 32 years in jail for sexually abusing two young family members in 2008 and 2009 and possessing child pornography.

Judge Richard L. Buchter. Source: NewYorkLawJournal.com

Judge Richard L. Buchter called it the most “repulsive case” he has seen in his 27 years on the bench. He lectured Kerbet “Kirby” Dixon over the sick crime, calling him a "proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing."

“Justice is a poor replacement,” the judge said, according to the New York Daily News. “The lengthy prison sentence I propose will not restore the sweet innocence of the child.”

At one point, the judge reportedly had to pause to wipe the tears from his eyes.

The Daily News has more background on Dixon’s case:

Dixon, 50, a former Queens court officer and assistant girls basketball coach at Manhattan’s Murry Bergtraum High School, was convicted in March on felony charges of sexually abusing two of his wife’s nieces, who were 10 and 14 at the time, and more than 480 counts of possession of child pornography.

Buchter was not swayed by defense attorney Richard Mischel’s argument that Dixon was well-regarded as a father, foster parent and court officer for more than 20 years.

In fact, the judge said he based his strong sentence on Dixon’s status as a law enforcement officer at Civil Court in Jamaica as well as the severity of the crimes.

The judge blasted Dixon for tricking his family and his community with a “cultivated” image of “kindly Uncle Kirby.”

“He cultivated his image of being kindly Uncle Kirby, providing gifts, taking them on trips, but this kindness did not motivate him. This conduct was carried out for a malicious purpose,” Buchter said in court.

Dixon faces at least 25 years in prison and up to about 32 years. He reportedly plans to appeal the sentence.

Read the full report here.