Watch CBS News

Conduct Board: District Judge Improperly Pursued Clerk

AMBRIDGE, Pa. (KDKA) - A Beaver County Magistrate Judge is being accused of judicial misconduct.

A formal complaint has just been filed against him as well as a petition to suspend him until his case is heard.

The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board has filed formal charges against Magisterial District Judge Andrew Hladio. These are alleged ethical violations not criminal allegations.

But just like in criminal court, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Magisterial District Judge Andrew Hladio has served in the 36th Judicial District of Beaver County since 2010.

The Judge is also an attorney with a private law practice in Ambridge.

The eight count complaint filed in the Court of Judicial Discipline contains varying allegations, ranging from sexual harassment of a court clerk to failing to impose mandatory fines in overweight trucking cases.

The Judicial Conduct Board is asking for him to be suspended from his judicial duties while the case is pending.

"Under the Constitution, the Court of Judicial Discipline, which is the Court that imposes discipline when a judge is found to have engaged in misconduct, has the authority before a hearing, upon the filing of a Board complaint to determine that he judge should be suspended from performing his or her duties during the pendency of the Board complaint," said Robert Graci, Chief Counsel, Judicial Board of Conduct, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

KDKA tried to reach Judge Hladio at his office. We called and the voicemail box was full. We went in person and knocked on the door. There was no answer.

So far, there is no court date scheduled for his case.

If the Judicial Conduct Board proves these charge against him by "clear and convincing" evidence, the Court will decide whether or not he should be disciplined.

Visit the Board's website to read the Board Complaint and Petition for Interim Suspension.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.