Pocono News Section

Local Judge Faces Misconduct Charges in Court

Local Judge Faces Misconduct Charges in Court - Monday, September 24, 2007 at 9:34PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Sep 24, 2007 @09:34pm EST
HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY- A Luzerne County judge found herself on the other side of the bench Monday morning in Harrisburg.

Opening statements and testimony began in the misconduct trial of Judge Ann Lokuta.

Lokuta faces charges of inappropriate conduct for allegedly being late for court and even ordering a county worker to scrub the floors in her home.

One of the first people to take the stand was one of Lokuta's former law clerks, who said she constantly chastised him after he suffered a stroke.

All of the testimony is being held in front of a three-member panel of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline.

Testimony is expected to last through the week.

If found guilty, Lokuta could be reprimanded or even removed from the bench.