The Judicial Conduct Board filed a formal complaint against Former Judge Francis P. Eagen, based upon his conviction of violating “Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function,” 18 Pa.C.S.A. §5101 of the Crimes Code of Pennsylvania. The conduct underlying his conviction involved the respondent in engaging in a course of conduct designed to interfere with a Grand Jury criminal investigation.

Former Judge Eagen and the Judicial Conduct Board submitted stipulations in lieu of trial, under C.J.D.R.P. No. 503(D)(1), through which the respondent admitted he had been convicted of violating §5101 of the Crimes Code of Pennsylvania.

Based upon the stipulations, the Court concluded that the respondent had violated Article V, §17(b) of the Pennsylvania Constitution which provides that a judicial officer “shall not engage in any activity prohibited by law” by violating §5101 of the Criminal Code of Pennsylvania (18 Pa.C.S.A. §5101) and was subject to discipline under Article V, §18(d) of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Following a sanction hearing, the Court removed the respondent from office and held him ineligible for judicial office in the future.

Full details of decision:

Opinion (Leadbetter, J. - December 19, 2002)

Per Curiam Order (December 19, 2002)

Per Curiam Sanction Order (January 24, 2003)

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