Forfeiture Postponed in Ex-Pennsylvania Judge’s Fraud Case

A federal court forfeiture hearing has been postponed in the case of a former Pennsylvania Superior Court judge convicted of insurance fraud, because the judge’s wife has hired a new attorney to try to prevent their home from being seized.

Michael Joyce, of Millcreek Township, is serving a 46-month prison sentence for collecting $440,000 in a low-speed accident in August 2001.

Federal prosecutors say Joyce exaggerated claims of neck and back injuries to collect the money. A judge ordered Joyce to forfeit various items bought with the money, including a $360,000 home purchased in 2003.

Joyce’s wife, Joanne, and ErieBank, which holds the mortgage, are challenging the forfeiture order. A hearing scheduled for Aug. 31 was postponed until Nov. 23.