Joseph C. Polito, a respected Illinois-based Judge admitted to being addicted to porn since an early age after a Judicial Inquiry Board found him violating judicial code for viewing porn on his courthouse computer.

Polito said: “I used pornography as a crutch to deal with my feelings of inadequacy [and] for 60 years this was an inner conflict — I was ashamed, I didn’t feel good about it and tried to stop. The only way I knew to address it was in a confession with a priest.”

The Chicago Sun-Times newspaper published an article earlier on in the year about Polito’s violations pushing forth an investigation.

Polito has apologized for his behavior and has admitted to being addicted to porn since the age of 8 or 9. He has said that he has sought help for his addiction and said: ”This is a shameful and humbling experience…I acknowledge I did not uphold the high standards of conduct my position required.”

The commission will write a ruling on a later date that could mean a suspension or even termination in the cards for Polito, despite several other judges voicing support for him.