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Harrisburg Today
By the People, for the People
Pennsylvania Judge Faces New Misconduct Charges
Suspended Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox accused of intervening in court case on behalf of staff member
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline has filed additional charges against suspended Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Wilcox for allegedly sending a letter on his judicial letterhead to a President Judge, asking the court to grant a Protection from Abuse Petition on behalf of one of his staff members. The case was referred to the state Attorney General's Office for investigation after the Bradford County District Attorney's Office received the complaint.
Why it matters
Judicial misconduct allegations can undermine public trust in the impartiality and integrity of the legal system. Judges are expected to remain neutral and avoid using their position to influence court proceedings, especially on behalf of their own staff or associates.
The details
According to the notice filed by the Judicial Conduct Board, Wilcox sent the letter to President Judge Maureen Beirne on August 21, 2024, asking the court to grant a Protection from Abuse Petition for one of his staff members. The Bradford County District Attorney's Office referred the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for investigation, and Wilcox was notified he was the subject of an official probe on November 20, 2025.
- Wilcox sent the letter to President Judge Beirne on August 21, 2024.
- The Bradford County District Attorney's Office referred the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for investigation.
- Wilcox was notified he was the subject of an official investigation on November 20, 2025.
The players
Jonathan Wilcox
A suspended Magisterial District Judge in Pennsylvania who is facing new misconduct charges for allegedly intervening in a court case on behalf of one of his staff members.
Maureen Beirne
The President Judge who received the letter from Wilcox requesting a Protection from Abuse Petition for one of his staff members.
Elizabeth R. Donnelly
The deputy counsel for the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania who filed the notice of additional charges against Wilcox.
Bradford County District Attorney's Office
The office that referred the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for investigation.
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office
The office that is investigating the allegations of misconduct against Wilcox.
What’s next
The Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline will likely hold a hearing to determine if the additional charges against Wilcox are warranted and if any disciplinary action should be taken.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of maintaining judicial independence and impartiality, as well as the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct by members of the judiciary.
