ERIE, Pa. -- The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating insurance payments made to a Pennsylvania Superior Court judge.

Judge Michael Joyce received $440,000 in insurance money in 2002 for injuries he said he suffered in a car accident, the Erie Times News reported. The FBI and IRS are looking into the extent of Judge Joyce's injuries, said Dan Strong, a grand jury witness who is the judge's friend.

Judge Joyce's attorney, David Ridge, confirmed the investigation. He said Judge Joyce is cooperating and is certain the inquiry will determine he has done nothing wrong.

Judge Joyce said he incurred neck and back injuries after a Ford Explorer rear-ended his car in August 2001.

The grand jury questioned Judge Joyce's ability to fly a plane, scuba dive and ride a motorcycle since the accident, Mr. Strong said. He said he told the grand jury that Judge Joyce often has to take over-the-counter pain relievers and cannot do strenuous activities, such as scuba diving and motorcycle riding, for extended time periods.

"I know him to be an honest, upright person," Mr. Strong said. "I just think this is going to be a dead-end deal. I can't believe this guy would ever put his career or reputation in jeopardy."