On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, ABA Journal reported that Judge Steven Stambaugh of York County, Pennsylvania, has been suspended without pay following an indictment involving allegations of fraudulent activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension was enacted by the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline on October 9, as the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania sought disciplinary action against the 61-year-old judge.
The indictment against Stambaugh, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, includes 31 counts, which encompass charges of mail and wire fraud, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the allegations detail how Stambaugh purportedly encouraged four employees of his law firm to file for unemployment benefits while continuing to work remotely. The judge allegedly promised to compensate the employees for any difference between their unemployment benefits and their regular salaries.
The indictment asserts that Stambaugh instructed his employees to falsely claim they had been laid off starting in March 2020. He reportedly directed them to submit deceptive certifications indicating they had not worked during certain weeks, taking advantage of expanded unemployment benefits available during the pandemic.
Furthermore, the charges allege that Stambaugh sought to benefit personally from government funds intended for unemployed individuals, specifically aiming to financially support the staff of Stambaugh Law. The indictment also highlights claims that he failed to disclose information related to the purported layoffs when applying for government loans and loan forgiveness programs.
In addition to these actions, Stambaugh is accused of attempting to influence an employee’s testimony in the event of federal inquiries. He allegedly urged the employee to assert that any work performed for the firm was voluntary and arranged preemptive meetings to align their statements ahead of grand jury proceedings. These alleged activities are said to have occurred between April 2021 and November 2022.
Judge Stambaugh began his tenure on the bench in January 2022 and has since faced scrutiny over these serious allegations. His legal representative, Jerry Russo, commented on the indictment, stating that he and Stambaugh are currently reviewing the charges and conducting their own investigation into the facts.
Source: ABA Journal
