Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Judge Facing State Discipline

The Judicial Conduct Board has begun disciplinary proceedings against a former Pennsylvania Superior Court judge serving a 46-month federal prison sentence for insurance fraud.

It was not immediately clear if ex-Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce could lose his pension if he’s found to have violated the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct. The Erie Times-News said the board alleges the judge has violated the code by his 2008 felony conviction in U.S. District Court.

Joyce’s attorney, John Quinn of Pittsburgh, has not immediately returned a call for comment Tuesday.

Joyce was convicted of defrauding two insurance companies out of $440,000 he collected after exaggerating injuries to his neck and back following a low-speed auto accident in August 2001. He was also required to forfeit some items he spent that money on, including his home.