No Decision Made On Possible Suspension Of State Supreme Court Justice

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Should a state Supreme Court justice be suspended because of his involvement in the so-called "Porngate" scandal?

That's what the state's judicial ethics court has to decide about Michael Eakin. But after five hours of testimony Monday, still no decision.

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Justice Eakin arrived at the courthouse in Northampton County just after 10 a.m. Monday. On the way inside, he stopped briefly to greet reporters.

"We're here to answer what they want us to answer," Eakin said. "I trust you'll all hear it, and I trust you'll fairly report it. Thank you."

Monday's hearing was to determine whether Justice Eakin should be suspended for violating judicial conduct rules. Eakin is accused of exchanging emails that contained sexually explicit and other offensive content. Some were sent to a friend who worked for the Attorney General's office and captured on government computers.

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Monday, his attorney argued that the vast majority simply discuss golfing, fishing trips and fantasy football. He acknowledged one did depict a nude woman, but said it was not pornographic.

On the stand Monday afternoon, Eakin testified that he can't help what emails are sent to him, saying, "Don't hold what my friends said against me." He also apologized for his involvement.

Earlier Monday morning, two of Eakin's staffers testified they were not offended by emails in which Eakin joked with a friend about sleeping with them during a planned golf outing.

The court of judicial discipline adjourned at 4 p.m. without making a decision about possible suspension.