Pennsylvania Judge Spent Insurance Money on House, Hot Tub

Federal prosecutors say retired Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce spent $440,000 in insurance money on a new house, hot tub, motorcycle, jewelry and cosmetic surgery for a woman he has since married.

Joyce is scheduled to stand trial in federal court in Pittsburgh Oct. 20 on charges the got the money by exaggerating loss claims in a 2001 car accident. The 59-year-old judge lives in the Erie suburb of Millcreek Township and retired in January after 10 years on the appeals court.

Prosecutors listed the spending in a court document Monday in response to a defense motion.

The defense wants to keep the judge’s financial records out of the trial saying the expenses are an attack on Joyce’s character and not proof he had a motive to commit fraud.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com