On Friday, November 21, 2025, BBC reported that Judge Matthew EP Thornhill of St. Charles County, Missouri, has resigned following disciplinary action for wearing an Elvis Presley wig in court and playing the singer’s music during proceedings.

Judge Thornhill, the longest-serving circuit judge in the county, faced scrutiny from the Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct.

The disciplinary commission recommended Judge Thornhill’s suspension after discovering his frequent Elvis-related actions in the courtroom. According to the commission’s report, Judge Thornhill routinely wore an Elvis wig, specifically on or around October 31st, while conducting court business. The report included images of the judge wearing the wig, complete with a black pompadour and sunglasses, while sitting on the bench.

Furthermore, the commission found that Judge Thornhill would occasionally offer litigants or witnesses the option of being sworn in while Elvis music played from his phone. He also made frequent references to the singer during court proceedings, mentioning Elvis’s birth and death dates, as well as lyrics from his songs.

Judge Thornhill, a self-described Elvis lover, admitted that his intention was to “add levity” to proceedings and relax litigants. However, he acknowledged in a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court that his actions could affect the integrity and solemnity of the court.

The disciplinary report also cited unrelated conduct, including Judge Thornhill sharing his political affiliation and preferred candidates from the bench. He was also accused of promoting his own election campaign by asking witnesses, lawyers, and litigants if they had seen his “Thornhill for Judge” signs.

The commission concluded that Judge Thornhill had “failed to maintain order and decorum in the courtroom” and initially recommended a six-month suspension without pay, followed by an 18-month service period before retirement.

Judge Thornhill accepted the commission’s terms, allowing him to retire after 20 years of service. In his letter to the Missouri Supreme Court, dated November 12, Judge Thornhill did not dispute the allegations, stating they were “substantially accurate.”

 

 

Source: BBC