District Judge Sentenced to Probation
2 min readDistrict Judge gets a slap on the wrist for Forgery
Editor’s Opinion: Judge Murphy was charged with forgery, records tampering, identity theft, perjury, conspiracy, and violations of Pennsylvania’s election laws. He has been on paid leave since August of last year. I personally have a hard time with this. Not only did this Judge barely receive a punishment fitting of his crimes, but he has basically been awarded paid leave for breaking the law.
From Philly.com
David J. Murphy, the district justice in Aston accused of forging signatures on his renominating petition in 2009, pleaded guilty Wednesday and was immediately sentenced to four years of probation.
Bucks County Senior Judge John J. Rufe, who heard the case by special arrangement with Delaware County Court, accepted Murphy’s plea during a 30-minute hearing in Media. Murphy waived a presentencing investigation.
“I’m satisfied that you are a good person who has made some bad choices,” Rufe said.
In pronouncing sentence, the judge said Murphy’s stellar role as a lawyer and public servant over the years was a mitigating factor.
Murphy must perform 200 hours of community service within the first two years of probation. He declined to comment after the hearing.
His attorney, Arthur T. Donato Jr. of Media, said: “I think under the circumstances it’s an appropriate and fair sentence. It’s just an unfortunate tragedy.”
Murphy pleaded guilty to 64 counts of forgery, identity theft, and the making of false signatures. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury and one count of criminal conspiracy.
