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Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin Convicted

/ 21.Feb, 2013

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin was convicted today of six of the seven criminal charges which she was facing.  Justice Orie Melvin was found guilty of theft of services and criminal conspiracy for using the her former Superior Court staff for campaigning purposes.  The jury was unable to come to a decision on the charge of official oppression.  Although the conviction will not lead to her automatic removal from the bench, the Judicial Conduct Board has a pending investigation, and she could be prohibited from serving under the Pennsylvania Constitution if her crime is found to be one of “infamy.”  Alternatively the House of Representatives could file articles of impeachment.

Josh J.T. Byrne, Esquire

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