Pa. Supreme Court Justice Eakin Facing Disciplinary Charges Over Emails

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) -- Charges have now been filed in the state court that has disciplinary jurisdiction over judges in Pennsylvania against Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin over exchanges of pornographic and otherwise offensive emails.

The state Judicial Conduct Board has now alleged that Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin, a Republican, has "acted in a manner that detracted from the dignity of his office" by his involvement in exchanges of emails the content of which the conduct board says involve, among other things, nude women, sexually suggestive themes, gender stereotypes, homophobic content, and socioeconomic stereotypes. The board also says Eakin has engaged in conduct "that gives the appearance of impropriety."

Eakin now has the right to a public trial before the state Court of Judicial Discipline. Possible sanctions range from reprimand to removal from office. In a statement, Justice Eakin says he welcomes the process and will continue to cooperate.