Public pensions for felons

Justice was served Monday in the case of disgraced former Family Court Judge Steven Jones and his generous public pension.

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey ruled that the government could divert a portion of Jones’ retirement check to pay back the victims of an investment scheme.

Jones, who served on the Clark County bench for 20 years, was indicted in October 2012 for his involvement in a swindle that cost at least 22 victims some $2.9 million. He’s currently doing 26 months in a California federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is eligible for release in April of next year.

Jones admitted that he used his position on the bench to further the financial fraud. The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline last month prohibited him from ever again running for the bench, although we trust voters could have also handled the matter on their end.

Thanks to his time in public office and his judicial salary, the 57-year-old Jones collects about $10,000 per month in benefits under the Public Employees Retirement System of Nevada. Judge Dorsey held that 25 percent of that may be directed toward restitution for the victims of Jones’ fraud.

Prosecutors said they plan to go after the rest of the ex-judge’s pension at a later date. Good. Jones betrayed his oath of office and the laws he was sworn to uphold.

Meantime, this case should move Nevada lawmakers to reform laws that allow politicians to collect lifetime pension benefits even if they have violated the public trust, abused their office for financial gain and been convicted of crimes. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to finance lavish retirement checks for law-breaking scoundrels.