A Florida judge said he was shocked when he asked a defendant about his line of work and received the response, "criminal."

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U.S. District Judge William Dimitrouleas said Willie David Rice, 45, gave the answer while facing charges Thursday of guarding an Oakland Park brothel, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Friday.

Dimitrouleas, who has been a judge for 22 years, said, "It's the first time I've heard that answer."

Rice explained to the judge he has never held a legitimate job. He was one of three people arrested during a May raid on the Boom Boom Room, a brothel alleged to have employed underage prostitutes.

Rice pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces up to 10 years in prison.