A Lehigh County district judge violated the rules of conduct by having a “book of grudges,” among other complaints, according to the state Judicial Conduct Board.
The board announced formal charges against District Judge Amy Zanelli in a news release Thursday, alleging she violated standard rules of conduct. The Court of Judicial Discipline will hold a trial and decide if there is convincing evidence, and if so, she could face sanctions including censure, suspension, fine or removal from office. Zanelli’s office is in Bethlehem.
A message left for her attorney was not immediately returned.
The complaint, filed with the judicial discipline court Wednesday, alleges she held a “book of grudges” in her office; had an inappropriate, sexually explicit desk calendar; had improper demeanor to a defendant and a county court employee; habitually used profanity around her staff and other court personnel; was habitually late to court proceedings; and held remote hearings without the necessary permission.
The book of grudges had “negative commentary” about people who did business in her court, including describing one local attorney as “Just a Dick,” according to the complaint.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.