On Thursday, January 8, 2026, 69 News reported that Magisterial District Judge Amy Zanelli of Lehigh County is facing formal charges of misconduct, according to a complaint filed by Pennsylvania’s Judicial Conduct Board in the Court of Judicial Discipline. The complaint alleges multiple violations of the rules governing the Standards of Conduct of Magisterial Judges.
The charges stem from several incidents, including Zanelli’s alleged possession of a “Book of Grudges” and a sexually explicit calendar in her office. The “Book of Grudges,” described as resembling an ancient leatherbound tome with papyrus pages, contained disparaging remarks about a local attorney and critical notes about individuals involved in landlord-tenant disputes who appeared before her. The complaint further alleges that Zanelli encouraged her staff to contribute to the book, though they reportedly did not. The book was allegedly kept in a common work area accessible to all staff until its removal in early 2024.
In addition to the book, Zanelli is accused of displaying a desk calendar with explicit sexual messages in a general work area of the office after her election.
The Judicial Conduct Board also detailed an incident involving a defendant in Zanelli’s courtroom. According to the complaint, the unrepresented defendant murmured under his breath during the victim/witness’s testimony. Zanelli allegedly ordered the defendant to leave the courtroom and sit in the hallway. She then allegedly carried the defendant’s chair into the hallway and instructed him to remain there until the victim finished testifying.
The defendant’s request to hear the proceedings was allegedly denied, with Zanelli telling him he could hear from the hallway before shutting the courtroom door. After the victim’s testimony, the defendant was allowed back into the courtroom but was allegedly denied the opportunity to cross-examine the victim, only being permitted to argue for dismissal based on his renewed relationship with the victim. Zanelli ultimately found the defendant guilty.
The complaint also cites instances of Zanelli exhibiting inappropriate behavior toward a county court employee in April 2022. She allegedly ignored the employee’s attempts to correct a statement made in court about a defendant’s sentence and later used profanity when the employee tried to get her attention again. In another instance, Zanelli allegedly slammed her hands on the bench and yelled at the employee after being asked about adding a Mental Illness Substance Abuse (MISA) designation to a defendant’s bail conditions. The board alleges Zanelli habitually used profanity with her staff and other court personnel.
Furthermore, Zanelli is accused of being frequently late for court proceedings and absent from court during normal judicial business hours. The complaint states that she conducted preliminary hearings and arraignments from her home via Zoom while recovering from surgery, without obtaining permission from the President Judge of Lehigh County.
The Judicial Conduct Board stated that if the charges are proven, a hearing will be scheduled to determine potential sanctions, which could include censure, suspension, fines, or removal from office.
69 News reached out to Zanelli, who declined to comment and directed them to her attorney, Sam Stretton. Stretton, who claims to have represented hundreds of judges in disciplinary cases, stated that Zanelli is “doing quite well” and has been in therapy since the investigation began approximately a year ago. He described her as a “very good person” and a “very bright individual” who will be a “real asset to the judicial bench.” Stretton added that Zanelli intends to run for reelection next year.
A hearing date has not yet been set, but is expected to be scheduled soon after Stretton files a response to the complaint.
Source: 69 News
