Pennsylvania Judge Busted for $440,000 Personal Injury Fraud
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, a Pennsylvania Superior Court judge was indicted on charges of money laundering and mail fraud in connection with a personal injury verdict of $440,000 that he received in 2001. In August 2001, Judge Michael T. Joyce was struck from behind at 5 miles per hour while in his car, prompting him to file an insurance claim for personal injuries that prevented him from enjoying his normal lifestyle. He claimed to be in constant pain.
Subsequently, Joyce was seen playing golf in such exotic locales as Jamaica, scuba diving, and receiving his airplane pilot’s license, as well as exercising at a gym and inline skating, all activities which he claimed he was prevented from doing in the insurance claim. The money laundering claims stem from purchases he made with the insurance settlement money through a brokerage account.
Legally, Joyce was not required to step down, since his crimes were unrelated to his area of legal jurisdiction. But, in conjunction with the charges, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has suspended Joyce with pay. Amazingly, Joyce maintains his innocence in the charges. In a move that can been seen as either extremely brave or extremely foolish, Joyce has claimed that he will stand for re-election in November when his term is up.