Retired federal judge who struggled with alcoholism dies

Associated Press

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A federal judge who retired from the bench in Louisiana last year amid struggles with alcoholism has died in her home.

Citing a news release from Deputy Chief Mark Kraus, KPLC-TV reports that 60-year-old retired U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi was found dead in her Lake Charles home Saturday.

Calcasieu Coroner Dr. Terry Welke says Minaldi's death appears to be the result of natural causes.

Tony Moore, the clerk of court for the Western District of Louisiana, confirmed Minaldi's death to the AP but said he didn't know any details.

Minaldi served as a judge in the 14th Judicial District Court from 1996 to 2003 before being appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003 as a federal judge in the Western District of Louisiana.

Her July 2017 disability retirement came after she had been on medical leave for months for treatment of severe alcoholism.

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Information from: KPLC-TV, http://kplctv.com