Local District Judge Facing Indecent Assault, Bribery Charges

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- District Justice Ross Cioppa has been relieved of his duties following his arraignment today on charges of indecent assault, bribery and official oppression.

Cioppa's district is based in Rankin.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began earlier this year when women who came before him in court were allegedly approached by him to perform sexual acts.

One victim, for example, claims that one day after court had ended and she was alone in the courtroom, Cioppa allegedly kissed her and engaged in inappropriate behavior.

He was arraigned before Common Pleas Court Judge Donna Jo McDaniel who set bail at $10,000.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala says as many as 20 more cases from Cioppa's court are under investigation.

Zappala says usually light-skinned African American females were targeted.

Judge Cioppa has been under investigation since July.

His attorney has denied any inappropriate conduct.

Stay with KDKA for a full report on this developing story.

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