Opinion
NO. 391
11-09-2012
In re: THOMAS M. NOCELLA, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JUDGE, FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION DOCKET
ORDER
PER CURIAM
AND NOW, this 9th day of November, 2012, this Court has received notice that the Judicial Conduct Board has found probable cause to file formal charges against the Honorable Thomas M. Nocella, Common Pleas Court Judge for the First Judicial District, Philadelphia County, alleging that he has violated Article V, § 17(b) and § 18 (d)(1) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Canons 2A and 7B(1)(c) of the Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct. In view of the compelling and immediate need to protect and preserve the integrity of the Unified Judicial System and the administration of justice for citizens of this Commonwealth, Judge Thomas M. Nocella is hereby relieved of any and all judicial and administrative responsibilities as a Common Pleas Court Judge and ordered not to take any further administrative or judicial action whatsoever in any case or proceeding now or hereinafter pending in the First Judicial District until further Order of this Court. The suspension shall be served with no diminution in salary or benefits.
This Order is without prejudice to the rights of Judge Thomas M. Nocella to seek such relief in this Court for the purpose of vacating or modifying this interim Order. Pa.Const. Article V, §10(a); In Re: Avellino, 690 A.2d 1138 (Pa. 1997); see In Re: McFalls, 795 A.2d 367 (Pa. 2002); and see In Re: Singletary, No. 377 Judicial Administration Docket (per curiam) (January 5, 2012).
Madame Justice Orie Melvin did not participate in this matter.