Sounds like the judge is an idiot. He could have requested the State Department tell him if that passport was his only passport and whether it was still valid. If he reported his first passport as lost or stolen, the State Department would immediately make that passport no longer valid for travel. Not only that, but he lied on the application for the replacement passport. I just got a new passport. The application clearly states that it is a crime to knowingly and willfully make false statements in the passport application or the supporting documents.
WARNING: False statements made knowingly and willfully in passport applications, including affidavits or other documents submitted to support this application, are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under U.S. law including the provisions of 18 USC 1001, 18 USC 1542, and/or 18 USC 1621. Alteration or mutilation of a passport issued pursuant to this application is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under the provisions of 18 USC 1543. The use of a passport in violation of the restrictions contained herein or of the passport regulations is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under 18 USC 1544. All statements and documents are subject to verification.
The judge ignored the passport argument, but hit him on the finances part.
The finances issue has been common knowledge for over a month, why now? -