Jay Norton was stunned when he learned that Angus McGinty—a former client, friend and San Antonio judge—was accusing him of taking part in an alleged courthouse corruption scheme in an effort to avoid a two-year prison sentence for bribery.

“I had been a friend of Angus for a very long time,” Norton said. “We rode bikes together. I went to his wedding. I’ve known the guy a long, long time.’’