News & Politics How One of DC’s Most Powerful Judges Got Accused of Rape Richard Roberts was the star prosecutor who helped lock up Marion Barry, then became DC's chief federal judge. Now comes the revelation that Roberts slept with a 16-year-old witness in a career-making case 35 years ago. As his accuser doubles down, and an ethics probe plods on, here's a look at how Roberts rose to the top in spite of his past. DC Judge, Ricky Roberts, Richard Roberts | Sep 8, 2016