The Judicial Conduct Board filed a formal complaint against Magisterial District Judge Edward E. Hartman alleging that he (1) publicly endorsed a candidate for political office, a violation of Rule 15(B)(1) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges, (2) engaged in partisan political activity and attended a political gathering, a violation of Rule 15(B)(2) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges, (3) used his office and courtroom for the solicitation and collection of funds for various charitable and community organizations and activities in which he was interested, a violation of Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges, (4) engaged in a prohibited ex parte communication with a litigant, a violation of Rule 4(D) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges and (5) made remarks at the conclusion of a trial such that failed to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary in violation of Rule 2(A) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges. The judicial officer and the Board submitted stipulated facts in lieu of trial. Based upon those facts, the Court concluded that Respondent’s conduct (1) and (2) violated Rules 15(B)(1) and 15(B)(2) respectively of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges, (3) violated Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges. The Court found (4) that the Board had not established that Respondent’s conduct constituted a violation of Rule 4(D) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges or (5) of Rule 2A of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges. The Court held that Respondent was subject to discipline under Article V, Section 18(d)(1) of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Following a sanction hearing, the Court issued a sanction of reprimand.