On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the York Daily Record reported that York County Judge Steven Stambaugh may avoid trial on charges of fraud and witness tampering. As his trial was set to begin in less than two weeks, both Stambaugh’s defense and federal prosecutors requested a postponement to explore a potential deal that would allow him to enter a diversionary program aimed at clearing his record.
In a motion submitted to U.S. District Judge Malachy Mannion, Stambaugh’s attorney indicated that both parties had “agreed in principle” on the diversionary program, similar to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) used in state courts. The details of this agreement are still being finalized.
Originally scheduled for August 27, Stambaugh’s trial has now been postponed, with jury selection set to start on November 3. In his ruling, Judge Mannion noted that failing to grant this delay could lead to a “miscarriage of justice.”
Stambaugh, who has served as a personal injury lawyer and was elected to the York County bench in 2021, faces serious allegations stemming from an indictment issued in October 2024. The indictment includes 31 counts related to a scheme to defraud the unemployment compensation program that expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors allege that Stambaugh instructed employees at his former law firm, Stambaugh Law, to collect unemployment benefits while they continued to work.
Additionally, Stambaugh is accused of providing false information on applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to offer forgivable loans to small businesses during the pandemic. He is also charged with attempting to influence witnesses to lie to investigators and threatening retaliation against an employee who reported his actions to federal authorities.
Following his indictment, Stambaugh was suspended from his judicial position. In response, state Representative Seth Grove, a Republican from York County, introduced a bill to impeach him, which is currently pending in the state House of Representatives.
Source: York Daily Record
