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Suspension ordered for indicted Superior Court judge
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The state Supreme Court today issued an order suspending Superior Court Judge Michael T. Joyce based on an indictment filed against him this week in federal court.
In its two-page order, the court wrote: "In view of the compelling and immediate need to protect and preserve the integrity of the Unified Judicial System and the administration of justice for the citizens of this Commonwealth, the Honorable Michael Thomas Joyce is hereby relieved of any and all judicial and administrative responsibilities as a judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania."
Judge Joyce will continue to be paid through the duration of the suspension.
The judge, who still plans to run for retention in November, was indicted on nine counts of money laundering and mail fraud stemming from two insurance claims he filed related to a car accident he had in August 2001.
He received a total of $440,000 from those claims, in which he alleged he suffered a variety of injuries and was no longer able to exercise or enjoy his personal or private life.
However, according to the indictment, the judge continued to golf, scuba dive, roller blade and participate in other activities.
First Published August 17, 2007 1:52 pm
