Court asked to move Eakin’s trial from Philly to Harrisburg

    The board that investigates and prosecutes judges for ethical misdeeds in Pennsylvania is seeking to move the pending trial of a state Supreme Court justice from Philadelphia to Harrisburg.

    Lawyers for the Judicial Conduct Board filed a motion in the Justice Michael Eakin matter Friday saying court system’s headquarters building is better located for the parties and witnesses. Eakin’s lawyer says he supports the motion.

    The board said the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, near the state Capitol, is well equipped with the technology lawyers will need to display emails that are at issue.

    Eakin is accused of violating behavioral rules for judges by sending emails that, among other things, described plans to visit a South Carolina strip club.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Eakin is currently suspended with pay. If convicted, he could be removed from the bench. Trial is set for March 29.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal