Judicial court tells Pennsylvania justice (Eakin) it may suspend him :: 12/14/2015

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – The court that rules on cases of judicial misconduct is telling a state Supreme Court justice he faces possible suspension over lewd and offensive emails he traded with lawyers and others.

The Court of Judicial Discipline on Thursday issued an order that gives Justice Michael Eakin a chance to respond before it decides whether to remove him from the bench.

In this Sept. 13, 2011 file photo, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin poses for photographs with the court's other justices at Philadelphia's historic Old City Hall. A Pennsylvania ethics board is accusing Eakin of violating both judicial and constitutional codes of conduct by exchanging lewd and offensive emails with friends. The Judicial Conduct Board on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, said it filed four charges with a disciplinary court that has the power to remove judges. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

A hearing on the possible suspension is Dec. 21 in Easton.

The order comes two days after the Judicial Conduct Board, which investigates and prosecutes judges, charged him with violating judicial and constitutional ethical rules.

The board’s complaint says Eakin’s actions appeared to be improper, he didn’t respect the court’s nondiscrimination policy and he detracted from the dignity of his office.

Eakin’s attorney Bill Costopoulos says the order is being reviewed.

http://abc27.com/2015/12/10/judicial-court-tells-pennsylvania-justice-it-may-suspend-him/