The nine-page filing seeks a declaratory judgment from the Somerset County Court of Common Pleas. The act requires district attorneys to hold an active law license while in office. Jeffrey Thomas waived all . Ellich on Twitter at @dajudye. On Tuesday, the Somerset County Commissioners acknowledged Thomas's suspension from his role as district attorney and the county salary board approved halting his paycheck and benefits because of the suspension based on a new state law. Thomas' law license was suspended Oct. 27 by the state Supreme Court following a petition by the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board's Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which reviews attorney conduct issues. The wife of Somerset County District Attorney Jeff Thomas was cleared of assault charges against her husband during her preliminary hearing Wednesday. 2023 County Office. Middlesex County District Attorney's Office prosecutes crimes in the following cities and towns: Acton, Arlington, Ashby, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica . Copyright 2022 Somerset County, MD. Somerset County Salary Board members, who alsomet Tuesday, voted to pay Metzgar the same as what was being paid to Thomas, which is a little more than $7,000 per pay period. Rain likely. Privacy Policy William Cline of Somerset, a former county assistant district attorney in the early 2000s, and Sydney Bender of Patton, who is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Michael A. Sossong in Ebensburg, and has been a licensed attorney since 2015, are to be paid $32,000 annually. "The District Attorney's Office, although located in the courthouse, is not under county commissioners' supervision, nor is it part of the . State police charged Thomas, of Windber, with rape, indecent assault,. Election 2019 provides a few upsets, other surprises, Attorney general's office amends charges against Somerset County district attorney, Why Pa. municipalities, schools must make agendas public prior to meetings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. William Cline of Somerset, a former county assistant district attorney in the early 2000s, and Sydney Bender of Patton, who is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Michael A.. 420 when asked if the county was going to address the pay for Thomas since he has been shut out of any legal work in the courthouse and his office until the criminal case against him is resolved. But in a previous motion, the pair wrote that recent information provided to them was reviewed by independent doctors who agreed that a specialized expert witness was needed to testify about the matter. "I think it certainly raises the issue of whether or not that action constitutes a conflict of interest under the Rules of Professional Conduct," said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Tom Wolf's deskas earlyas Monday. David Hurst, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa. Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, Several families impacted after fire destroys apartment building in Longmont, Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, Teacher accused of hiding recording devices in school bathrooms, Teen last seen at mall is missing, Newington police say, Journal Sentinel reporters recognized nationally for coverage of health issues. Thomas has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and has said he plans to defend himself at trial. Calls for district attorney's resignation? the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, State Supreme Court suspends Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas' law license, Because of a new law, Somerset County DA Jeff Thomas is no longer receiving a paycheck, The latest on Somerset County DA: prohibited from any legal action in courthouse, protection order withdrawn, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Since the lawmakers present in both chambers ofthe Pennsylvania General Assemblyvoted unanimously for the bill, it is unlikely that the governor would veto the bill, since the lawmakers easily could override his veto. 21853 Phone: 410.651.3333 Fax: 410.651.3453 Attorneys. Their review included messages sent between Thomas and the alleged victim and conversations sent from the womans phone to other people. It is expected to be on Gov. You have permission to edit this article. Sheriff's Office Somerset County Jail. Police: Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas showed up uninvited, raped Windber woman, Hearing rescheduled against Somerset County DA Jeffrey Thomas. Thomas's law licensewas temporarily suspended by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, on Oct. 27. County Office is not affiliated with any government agency. There are two procedures the bill explores. Jeff Thomas is on a leave of absence amid a series of charges, including rape, that were filed by statepolice Sept. 18. "(Thomas) believes and avers that the defendants' action in stripping away pay and benefits was done without due process of law, as (Thomas) has maintained his innocence relating to all charges against him," the lawsuit says. Popularity:#2 of 67 District Attorney Offices in Pennsylvania#198 in District Attorney Offices. The bill addresses what happens to district attorneys who havetheir law licensesuspended or become disbarred. Terms and Conditions. You may not use this site for the purposes of furnishing consumer reports about search subjects or for any use prohibited by the FCRA. And even though a state law approved in 2021 after Thomas' law license was suspended prohibits elected prosecutors from serving while their licenses are suspended, that change was not retroactive, Pittsburgh attorney Richard Haft wrote. Jeffrey Thomas arrives at the Somerset County Courthouse for his preliminary hearing on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. District Attorney District Attorney's Office 41 Court St. Skowhegan, ME 04976 Ph: 207-474-2423 Fx: 207-474-7407 Staff Directory. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Somerset County District Attorney, a District Attorney Office, at Court Street, Skowhegan ME. Services for Citizens. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The county code expressly provides that all district attorneys receive the same compensation, which is $1,000 lower than that paid court of common pleas judges in their judicial district. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has been granted jurisdiction to prosecute a domestic assault case involving Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas and his wife. District Attorney's Office; Register of Probate; Agendas; Minutes; Notify Me; Submit A Request; Employment; The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office is committed to fulfilling these constitutional and statutory mandates as well as strengthening law enforcement's relations with the public, enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Somerset County, ensuring the rights of crime victims, to be treated with fairness, compassion and respect, are "Whether or not it does is something the disciplinary board would determine.". The lawsuit may be the first legal challenge to the state's District Attorney Modernization Act, which Somerset County officials pointed to as a law they had to comply with when they took the step to suspend Thomas' pay in 2021. Find Court Records related to Somerset County District Attorney. Haft wrote that despite the actions taken by the disciplinary board and county officials, Thomas remains the duly elected district attorney of Somerset County, and he was neither impeached nor did he resign the only permissible reasons to cut his pay, Haft argued. Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas arrives for his preliminary hearing at the Somerset County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. What I mean by that is conflict of interest, as it is defined in the ethics act, is when the public official uses the authority of their position to gain financial benefit or financial benefit for a family member," Caruso said. Johnstown Magazine is a positive and forward-thinking monthly publication for the people of our region. High 63F. . 2023 www.dailyamerican.com. The county courts, up to this point, have sought outside judges to handle matters involving Thomas in order to avoid conflicts of interest, because he handled cases through the local court system for two years in his role as district attorney. Court records show Cambria County President Judge Norman A. Krumenacker III issued an order naming Blair County defense attorney Thomas Dickey to represent the suspended prosecutor in the domestic case against him. 2023 www.dailyamerican.com. Share this page on your favorite Social network. David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. As with any pending litigation, I cannot comment on it," Barbera said, "but obviously, the county will be filing a response.". Using the officialletterhead of his office, Jeff Thomaswrote a memo to Segerdated Sept. 13 informing him that the district attorney'soffice was dropping the charges against AmyThomas. Address and Phone Number for Somerset County District Attorney, a District Attorney Office, at East Union Street, Somerset PA. Name Somerset County District Attorney Suggest Edit Address 111 East Union Street Somerset , Pennsylvania , 15501 Phone 814-445-1456 Map of Somerset County District Attorney Maloney, Maeghan District Attorney 207-474-2423 Maeghan is a graduate of Swarthmore and Harvard Law School. Services for Citizens. All Rights Reserved. In Somerset, the District Attorney plays a central role in criminal cases, working with police to decide whether to bring charges and prosecuting the case in court. All rights reserved. Johnstown Magazine is a positive and forward-thinking monthly publication for the people of our region. All Rights Reserved. David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Since Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas II has been charged with felony rape, several questions have emerged about his position, according to court officials. The Daily American obtained a copy of the letter from the county by filing a Right-to-Know request. 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Find 5 District Attorney Offices within 46.4 miles of Somerset County District Attorney. A letter to District Judge Bill Seger ofWindber indicates that Somerset County District Attorney JeffThomas attempted to intervene in his wife's case. Chance of rain 70%. A letter to District Judge Bill Seger of Windber indicates that Somerset County District Attorney Jeff Thomas attempted to intervene in his wife's case.. Somerset County President Judge D. Gregory Geary said he anticipates reaching out to the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts to assign an out-of-county-judge to oversee this matter, too once the case reaches the point that it is necessary for a judge to become involved. In Somerset County, the district attorney is paid by the county with 65% of the salary being reimbursed by the state. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Lawyer Bob Davis Jr., who is based out of Harrisburg, has served in the past asbar association counsel in West Virginia, assistantcounsel forthe State Bar of Georgiaand deputy chief and acting chief of the disciplinary board in Pennsylvania. County Office is not affiliated with any government agency. The bill specifically pinpoints district attorneys, Osenbach said, partly because a "district attorney is held to a higher standard.". Privacy Policy Tutera has told reporters that Jeffrey Thomas is taking a leave of absence from his post, but not resigning. Since September, Thomas has been fighting charges of sexual assault, with the Pennsylvania Office ofAttorney Generalis prosecuting the case. Thomasdecided to go ona leave of absence to prepare for his case after state police brought sexual assault-related charges against himin September, according to his attorney,Ryan Tutera of Pittsburgh. The District Attorney heads the Somerset Prosecutor's Office, directing the attorneys who work for the office. The bill requires a district attorney to hold an active law license while in office. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. In Somerset County, the district attorney is paid by the county with 65% of the salary being reimbursed by the state. Sun and clouds mixed. Court-appointed Senior Judge Timothy Creany granted Thomas attorneys motion to delay the case until Jan. 9, granting them time to obtain an expert medical report they said will be essential to defending him in court. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She is tobe paid approximately$185,000 annually, which is what was the salary for District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas, whose position has been suspended because of a new state law, known as Act 88,on Nov. 26. County solicitor Michael Barbera saidthe suspension of Thomas's pay and all benefits, including insurance, took effectNov. 26 when First Assistant District Attorney Molly Metzgar was sworn in as the acting district attorney. Information found on CountyOffice.org is strictly for informational purposes and does not construe legal, financial or medical advice. One isif the district attorney's law license is is suspended. It is not known if the letter, which was released to The Tribune-Democrat on Friday by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, is part of the criminal investigation into an allegation that Jeffrey Thomas raped a Windber woman inside her home on Sept. 18. 0:36. Copy and paste this code into your website. The DA's Office also maintains court records that are open to the public. Business Directory; Dispatch Log & Jail Bookings; Somerset County Bicentennial; Activities; Follow him on Twitter @TDDavidHurst and Instagram @TDDavidHurst. Suggest Listing Chance of rain 70%. According to court dockets, the rule to show cause means that a lawyer must respond to the disciplinary arm of the state Supreme Courton an inquiry ofa matter brought before it, usually it in the form of a complaint about a lawyer's conduct. 2023 County Office. Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas is facing rape and assault charges after police say he assaulted an acquaintance Sept. 18. "I'm looking forward to working with the new hires to fill out the team.".