Massachusetts Judge Thomas Estes, who engaged in sexual acts with a social worker in his courthouse chambers, has resigned.
A spokeswoman for the Supreme Judicial Court said Estes submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, one day after he was suspended indefinitely by the court.
The letter, addressed to the chief justice of the state's district court system, said the resignation will be effective on June 15.
A statement was also issued Friday by attorney David Hoose, who is representing Estes.
In his resignation, Estes wrote he was grateful to have had the chance to serve as a judge, and was leaving with "great sadness":
Effective on June 15, 2018, at 5:00pm, I tender my resignation as a Justice of the District Court. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as a district court judge and submit this resignation with great sadness. I appreciate the guidance and support you have offered me.
Estes could have been subject to removal proceedings by the state legislature had he sought to continue serving.
This report includes information from WBUR's Jonathan Cain and The Associated Press.
