Press release announcing a Letter of Counsel issued to Judge Jonathan D. Grine by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board.
This is a scanned press release document from the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania, dated August 29, 2017. It details an investigation into conduct between Judge Jonathan D. Grine and District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller in 2014, resulting in a non-chargeable resolution via Letter of Counsel.
Official letter from the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board to Judge Grine concerning a conduct complaint.
This is a scanned document of a formal letter issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board on August 10, 2017. The letter addresses Honorable Jonathan D. Grine regarding JCB Complaint No. 2016-721 and discusses the issuance of a 'Letter of Counsel' as a resolution to the complaint.
Page 2 of 7 from a legal opinion regarding Judge Grine's conduct.
The image shows page 2 of a 7-page legal document dated August 10, 2017, addressed to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine. It details allegations about his personal support relationship with District Attorney Parks Miller and cites violations of Canon 1 and Rules 1.1 and 1.2 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Page of a legal document outlining judicial conduct standards.
This is page 3 of 7 from a document dated August 10, 2017, addressed to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine. It contains text excerpts from Canon 2 regarding impartiality and Rule 2.4 on external influences, followed by Rule 2.11 on disqualification circumstances, and Canon 3 governing extrajudicial activities.
Page 4 of a formal letter regarding judicial ethics and complaint resolution for Judge Jonathan D. Grine.
The image shows a printed legal document dated August 10, 2017, addressed to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine. It references Article V, § 17(b) of the Pennsylvania Constitution and discusses judicial conduct constraints, including relationships with attorneys. The text outlines procedures for resolving a complaint through acceptance of a Letter of Counsel.
Page 5 of a 7-page letter dated August 10, 2017, from Robert A. Graci to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine.
This is page 5 of a 7-page document dated August 10, 2017, addressed to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine. It includes a closing statement about scheduling a meeting by August 25, 2017, a signature from Robert A. Graci, Chief Counsel, and an attachment note referencing UPS Overnight Delivery with tracking number 1Z Y4X 745 01 9593 1926.
Jonathan D. Grine signs a consent form regarding the dismissal of Complaint Number 2016-721.
This is page 6 of 7 of a legal document dated August 10, 2017, titled 'CONSENT'. It contains a typed statement where Jonathan D. Grine consents to the dismissal of Complaint Number 2016-721 and agrees that contents may be used in future proceedings before the Board, Court of Judicial Discipline, or Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The page includes a handwritten date (8/25/17) and signature below his typed name and title.
Jonathan D. Grine signs a confidentiality waiver related to a Judicial Conduct Board complaint.
This is page 7 of 7 of a legal document titled 'WAIVER OF CONFIDENTIALITY' addressed to Honorable Jonathan D. Grine, dated August 10, 2017. The text details the waiver of confidentiality provisions regarding judicial conduct complaints and includes a handwritten signature and date (8/29/17) at the bottom.
Not only did Judge Lunsford retire early and have his bid to become an appeals court judge stall, but the Judicial Conduct Board counseled Judge Grine for having an “inappropriate relationship” with Parks Miller during this period; see the image gallery below. The remaining judge during this time, President Judge Thomas Kistler, had his plans to become a senior judge ruined when the police caught him driving under the influence of alcohol shortly after he retired. He then violated his probation by drinking alcohol at a crowded local restaurant, thinking he was above the rules.
Hearing committee report recommending discipline for a Pennsylvania attorney.
This is a one-page scanned legal document from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It outlines a case involving Stacy Parks Miller, who served as District Attorney of Centre County, and details allegations of ex parte communications with judges and use of a fictitious Facebook page. The document includes a summary of case findings recommending a three-month license suspension.
Page 2 of a disciplinary recommendation document outlining Rule violations.
The image shows a printed page from a legal document, specifically Page 2, which details allegations under the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. It lists six specific rule violations (A through F) related to ex parte communications and dishonesty in a disciplinary matter involving a District Attorney.
Page 3 of a legal document detailing procedural rulings and evidence admission in a Pennsylvania Supreme Court discipline case.
The image shows a printed legal document titled 'ABSTRACT OF EVIDENCE' with sections on professional misconduct under Pa.R.P.C. 8.4(d) and (f). It outlines timeline events from February to August 2017 regarding a Petition for Discipline filed against a Respondent, including motions for protective order and admission of allegations.
Page 4 of a legal document detailing findings of fact in a disciplinary proceeding.
The image shows a printed legal document, specifically page 4, under the heading 'IV. FINDINGS OF FACT'. It includes five numbered factual statements regarding a petitioner and respondent, with footnotes citing court records and grand jury reports.
Page 5 of a legal recommendation document detailing allegations against a respondent regarding communications with judges.
The image shows a single page from a formal legal document, likely a recommendation or finding, containing numbered paragraphs (6 through 16) that discuss misconduct involving ex parte communications and text messages. The text references specific individuals such as Judge Grine and Judge Lunsford, and cites court records like J.S. ¶¶ and N.T. citations.
Page 6 of a legal document detailing correspondence between Respondent and Judge Lunsford.
The image shows a single page from a legal filing containing numbered paragraphs (17–26) that describe email exchanges involving defense counsel, an inmate named Patrick Horan, and text message communications with judges. Citations to court records appear in parentheses at the end of several paragraphs.
Page 7 of a legal document detailing communications with judges and related case matters.
The image displays a single page from a legal filing or brief, containing numbered paragraphs that reference specific court records (N.T.) and judicial opinions (J.S.). The text discusses text messages sent to judges regarding criminal cases, jokes made in an office setting, and the creation of a fictitious Facebook page. It also mentions legislation concerning bath salts.
Legal text describing the creation and use of a fake Facebook page by law enforcement.
The image shows a scanned page (Page 8) of a legal document with numbered paragraphs from 38 to 47. The text discusses how a Respondent created a fictitious Facebook page to track stores selling illegal bath salts, including details about friend requests, police involvement, and subsequent raids.
Page 9 of a legal recommendation document detailing professional conduct and character references.
The image shows a single page from a legal document with numbered paragraphs (48–60) describing the respondent's professional behavior, discipline history, and endorsements from colleagues. The text includes citations to court records and mentions individuals such as Thomas R. Kline, Kristin Ann Shirey, Jeffrey S. Helffrich, and William A. Shaw, Jr., Esquire.
Page 10 of a legal opinion detailing violations of professional conduct rules.
The image shows a printed page from a legal document, specifically page 10, containing numbered paragraphs and a section titled 'V. DISCUSSION'. The text references cases involving judges like Lunsford and Grine, mentions specific Rules of Professional Conduct (R.P.C.), and discusses ethical misconduct related to ex parte communications.
Page 11 of a legal recommendation document detailing alleged rule violations.
The image shows a printed page (labeled Page 11) from a formal legal document discussing professional misconduct allegations against a lawyer named Respondent. The text references specific rules such as R.P.C. 8.4(d), 8.4(f), and 8.1(a) regarding conduct prejudicial to justice, false statements, and ex parte communications.
Page 12 of a legal recommendation detailing Rule of Professional Conduct violations.
The image shows a printed page titled 'VI. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW' from a formal legal document, likely a disciplinary report or committee finding. It lists four specific Rules of Professional Conduct that were violated by the Respondent, including prohibitions on influencing judges and communicating ex parte.
Page 13 of a disciplinary board report recommending a three-month license suspension.
This is a scanned page from a legal document titled 'Report of Hearing Committee' for Stacy Parks Miller. It lists two rules of professional conduct regarding judicial misconduct, recommends suspending the respondent's law license for three months effective upon adoption, and includes signatures from Joanne Ludwikowski (Chair), Kevin McNamara (Member), and Seth Mosebey (Member). The file path at the bottom indicates it was saved as 'ParksMillerRecommendation-13'.
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Order suspending Stacy Parks Miller from the Bar.
This is a scanned legal document titled 'ORDER' issued by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It details that Stacy Parks Miller was suspended from the Bar for one year and one day, effective as of February 8, 2019, following recommendations from the Disciplinary Board. The document includes case numbers, attorney registration info, and is signed by Patricia Nicola, Chief Clerk.
Disciplinary board report concerning attorney Stacy Parks Miller filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
The image shows a formal legal document from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, dated February 23, 2017, detailing disciplinary proceedings against Stacy Parks Miller. It outlines two charges: ex parte communications with judges and use of a fictitious Facebook page.
Page of a legal document detailing motions, orders, and deadlines in a disciplinary case.
The image shows a single page from a legal filing or court document with numbered paragraphs (ODC-A through ODC-I) describing procedural history involving a Respondent, Petitioner, Judge Krumenacker, and dates between March and May 2017. The text references motions for protective orders, disclosure requests, and deadlines to answer charges in a petition for discipline.
Page 3 of a legal filing outlining timeline of events in a discipline petition case.
The image shows a single page (numbered 3) of a formal legal document, likely part of a court or board proceeding. It contains five paragraphs describing procedural actions taken between June and November 2017, including motions, orders, hearings, and an appeal to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The text references parties as 'Petitioner' and 'Respondent', and includes citations like ODC-K, ODC-N, etc.
Page 4 of a legal document describing a disciplinary hearing and subsequent report.
The image shows a single page of text from a formal legal or administrative document. It details the procedural history of a disciplinary hearing held on April 23, 2018, before Chair Ludwikowski and two members. The text lists admitted exhibits for both the Petitioner and Respondent, notes filings made in June 2018 regarding suspension requests, and concludes with a report filed on August 21, 2018.
Page 5 of a legal document detailing exceptions to a committee report on Facebook-related charges.
The image shows a printed legal document with text describing filings by the Petitioner and Respondent between September and October 2018. It includes dates, briefs filed, and a section titled 'FINDINGS OF FACT' listing the Petitioner's address in Harrisburg.
Page of a legal document detailing the background and disciplinary context of Stacy Parks Miller.
The image shows a single page from a formal legal document, likely part of a suspension or disciplinary order. It includes numbered paragraphs describing an individual's professional history, including admission to the bar in 1994, employment as Assistant District Attorney, and service as District Attorney of Centre County. The text references rules of disciplinary enforcement and joint stipulations.
Page 7 of a legal document detailing disciplinary proceedings and communications related to Justin Cluck.
The image displays a scanned page from a legal filing containing numbered paragraphs (7–12) that describe procedural actions such as filing petitions, missed deadlines, and email exchanges between a respondent and Judge Bradley Lunsford. The text references criminal prosecution, bail orders, and emergency communications dated February 1, 2013.
Page from a legal brief detailing correspondence between the Respondent and Judge Lunsford regarding bail and order rescission.
The image displays a scanned page of a legal document with numbered paragraphs (13–20) discussing ex parte communications between the Respondent and Judge Lunsford. It includes an excerpt from an email requesting rescission of an order, followed by responses and references to court filings such as Form DB-7A. A section titled 'The Horan Matter' begins at paragraph 18.
Scanned legal document excerpt detailing correspondence and judicial decisions.
The image shows a single page from a legal document with numbered paragraphs (21–33) describing email exchanges between parties and judges. It includes references to cases like Horan v. DA Stacy Parks Miller and Commonwealth v. Shirk, along with dates and court actions such as denial of writs.
Scanned legal document excerpt detailing trial proceedings and text message evidence.
This is a scanned page from a legal document, likely an appendix or exhibit list (ODC-A), containing numbered paragraphs describing courtroom testimony regarding blood alcohol levels and subsequent text messages between the Respondent and Judge Grine. The text references specific dates in May 2014, forensic analysis of deleted messages, and quotes from six recovered messages related to a 'Shirk' matter.
Page 11 of a legal document detailing court proceedings and evidence.
The image shows a printed legal document with numbered paragraphs referencing dates, judges, and case numbers. It includes excerpts from audio transcripts and mentions forensic analysis of text messages. The page ends with the number 11 at the bottom center.
Page 12 of a legal document excerpting correspondence and responses regarding text messaging with a judge.
This is a scanned page (numbered 12) from a legal filing containing numbered paragraphs that reference text messages between a respondent and Judge Lunsford. It includes an excerpt from a 'verified response' where the respondent acknowledges sending messages but denies using them to influence pending criminal matters or improperly communicate with the court.
Legal document excerpt regarding text message communications and a motion for recusal.
This is a scanned page from a legal filing containing numbered paragraphs (49–53) discussing text messages sent to Judge Lunsford, the Respondent’s response denying independent recollection of sending them, and a prior Motion for Recusal in Commonwealth v. McClure filed October 30, 2014.
Legal document excerpt regarding court statements on digital communications.
The image shows a single page of a legal document with numbered paragraphs (54–60) containing quoted court statements and references to dates and forms. The text discusses allegations involving text messaging, email records, and responses from the Respondent and Petitioner in relation to Judge Lunsford.
Page 15 of a legal document detailing court proceedings and responses regarding the McClure and Hoy matters.
The image shows a printed legal document page containing numbered paragraphs (61–66) that reference specific forms, dates, and court hearings. It includes citations to external cases such as Commonwealth v. Hoy and mentions Judge Lunsford, Petitioner, and Respondent in the context of alleged false statements and motions to recuse.
Legal document excerpt detailing communications between parties and court proceedings.
The image shows a scanned page of a legal brief or opinion with numbered paragraphs (67–74) referencing text message exchanges, court hearings, and formal filings. It includes citations such as ODC-A 104 and mentions dates like January 21, 2015. The text discusses whether communications were improper ex parte contacts and references cases like Horan and Best.
Document excerpt detailing admissions regarding improper communications with judges.
This image shows a single page (numbered 17) from a formal legal document, likely a suspension order or disciplinary report. The text consists of numbered paragraphs (75-81) describing an individual's admitted violations of professional conduct rules through email and text messages to judges in various matters.
Legal document excerpt detailing respondent's actions regarding Judge Grine and a fake Facebook page.
This is a scanned page from a legal document, likely a court opinion or judgment, containing numbered paragraphs (82–87) that describe communications between the respondent and Judge Grine concerning a criminal prosecution. It also details how the respondent created a fictitious Facebook account named 'Britney Bella' in May 2011 to monitor establishments selling illegal bath salts by liking their pages and accepting friend requests.
Legal document excerpt detailing the creation and use of a fake Facebook account for investigative purposes.
The image displays a single page from a legal filing or court document, featuring numbered paragraphs (88–94) that describe the establishment of a Facebook page under the name 'Britney Bella' by a respondent. The text references communications with law enforcement, including an email dated May 17, 2011, and a Form DB-7 from January 21, 2015. It also notes the respondent’s later denial of using such language in their verified answer dated February 27, 2015.
Scanned legal document excerpt detailing criminal investigations and court proceedings.
The image shows a single page of a legal document containing numbered paragraphs (95–100) that reference Facebook accounts, store raids, and criminal cases involving Samuel Hill and Jalene McClure. The text cites case numbers such as Commonwealth v. Hill and mentions dates in 2012 related to charges, pleas, and sentencing.
Legal document excerpt detailing Ms. McClure’s charges, Facebook interactions, and testimony on drug-related activities.
The image shows a single page from a legal document containing numbered paragraphs (101–106) that reference Ms. McClure’s September 2012 criminal charges, November 2012 court transfer, and use of the ‘Britney Bella’ Facebook account to search for her and her sons. Paragraphs also include references to friend requests, verified answers from February 2015, and testimony about curbing a bath salts epidemic.
Page 22 of a legal document detailing miscellaneous findings from a disciplinary hearing.
The image shows a printed legal document page with the heading 'Miscellaneous Findings' and numbered paragraphs 107 through 113. The text discusses respondent remorse, misconduct acknowledgments, character witnesses, and testimony from Thomas R. Kline regarding professional conduct.
Legal document excerpts detailing witness accounts regarding the respondent's professional behavior.
This is a single-page scan of a legal document, likely a court opinion or brief, containing numbered paragraphs from 114 to 123. The text discusses testimonies from individuals such as Kristin Ann Shirey and Jeffrey S. Helffrich Esquire regarding the respondent's character and disciplinary history.
Page from a suspension order detailing legal conclusions regarding professional conduct violations.
The image shows a printed legal document with text referencing court testimony, rules of professional conduct, and specific rule citations. The visible section is titled 'CONCLUSIONS OF LAW' and lists five numbered points under the heading 'The Ex parte Matters'.
Page 25 of a suspension order discussing lawyer conduct rules.
This is a scanned page from a legal document titled 'ParksMillerSuspensionOrder-26'. It lists specific Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) numbered 6, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The text mentions the 'Facebook Matter' and discusses violations related to judicial conduct and unrepresented persons.
Page excerpt from a suspension order detailing lawyer conduct rules and case background.
The image shows a printed legal document, likely a court order or disciplinary report. It lists specific RPC violations including responsibility for others' conduct, false statements, aiding violations, dishonesty, and prejudicial conduct. A discussion section begins below, mentioning a Petition for Discipline filed on February 23, 2017.
Page 27 of a disciplinary proceeding recommending one-year-one-day suspension for the Respondent.
The image shows a printed legal document discussing ethical misconduct involving a fake Facebook page and improper email communications. It cites case law from Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. John Grigsby (1981) and references specific RPC violations including 4.3(a), 4.3(c), 5.4(b), 5.3(c)(1), 5.3(c)(2), 8.1(a), 8.4(a), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d). The text concludes with a recommendation for suspension based on clear and satisfactory evidence.
Page excerpt detailing violations of professional conduct rules involving ex parte communications.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 28) from a legal document or court opinion. It contains four paragraphs describing how the Respondent engaged in improper text message and email communications with judges during various criminal proceedings, including references to cases named Cluck, Best, Shirk, Horan, and matters involving Judge Lunsford and Judge Grine.
Page 29 of a legal document detailing communications and social media activities.
The image shows a single page from a legal document with three paragraphs describing false responses to inquiries, the creation of a fake Facebook page for law enforcement purposes, and lack of ethical guidance. The text references Judge Lunsford, Centre County, bath salts sales, and staff masquerading as 'Britney Bella'. Page number 29 is visible at the bottom.
Page 30 of a suspension order detailing committee conclusions on professional conduct violations.
The image shows a printed page from a legal document, likely a court or disciplinary report. It discusses the Respondent's use of a Facebook account for ex parte communications and concludes with a three-month suspension recommendation. The text references specific rules (RPC 3.5(a), etc.) and mentions the Horan matter.
Legal analysis of prosecutorial ethics regarding covert activity on social media.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 31) from a formal legal opinion or order. It discusses whether prosecutors violate Rules of Professional Conduct by using fictitious Facebook pages and references case law like In re Pautler. Footnotes at the bottom provide additional context about suspension recommendations and jurisdictional exceptions.
Legal text excerpt detailing disciplinary actions against attorneys for deceptive investigative conduct.
The image shows a single page of a legal document, likely part of a suspension order or case brief. It discusses the Ohio Supreme Court case Disciplinary Counsel v. Brockler and Pennsylvania ethics opinions regarding covert access to social media via fake personas. The text references Rules of Professional Conduct and describes how attorneys may be penalized for deceiving witnesses through fabricated online identities.
Legal text describing unethical Facebook practices by the Respondent.
The image shows a scanned page (page 33) of a legal opinion or suspension order. The visible text discusses how the Respondent created a fake Facebook page to appear legitimate, used pictures of an unrelated individual, and sent friend requests to individuals involved in criminal proceedings. It cites RPC 8.4(c) regarding fraudulent conduct and references Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. John Grigsby.
Page 34 of a legal decision regarding disciplinary suspension and procedural objections.
The image shows a printed page from a formal legal document, likely a court or board order. It contains text addressing exceptions raised by a 'Respondent' concerning admission of evidence, counsel withdrawal, and grand jury investigation findings. The footer displays the page number 34.
Page 35 of a legal opinion regarding disciplinary actions and suspension retroactivity.
The image shows a printed page from a legal document, likely part of an appellate court opinion or brief. It discusses findings by a Committee regarding misconduct, cites case law on witness credibility, and addresses a respondent’s request for retroactive suspension effective January 1, 2018. The text references the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
Page 36 of a legal opinion addressing disciplinary proceedings.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 36) from a legal decision or order. The text discusses the retroactivity of suspensions, arguments regarding the admissibility of exhibits like newspaper articles and docket entries, and cites cases such as Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Jeff Foreman. A footnote at the bottom references the weight given to newspaper articles by the Committee.
Page 37 of a disciplinary order discussing attorney misconduct.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 37) from a legal document, likely a suspension or disciplinary order. The text discusses general considerations for imposing discipline, cites several Pennsylvania cases (e.g., Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Robert Lucarini), and identifies aggravating factors such as the respondent serving as District Attorney of Centre County at the time of misconduct.
Legal text analyzing the respondent's role as District Attorney in assessing discipline.
The image shows a scanned page of a legal opinion or brief discussing attorney misconduct. It cites cases like Cappuccio and Preski regarding public trust and mentions the respondent’s position as an aggravating factor. The text references ex parte communication and remorse issues.
Page 39 of a suspension order detailing witness testimony and comparative case law.
The image shows a single page (numbered 39) from a formal legal document, likely a disciplinary suspension order. The text discusses mitigation evidence presented by the respondent, including testimony from five witnesses regarding their representation of victims and competency as litigators. It also references prior Pennsylvania disciplinary cases, specifically citing Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Ronald James Gross.
Page 40 of a legal review detailing disciplinary actions against prosecutors for criminal conduct.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 40) from a legal document or report. It discusses the Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Gary Scott Silver and mentions prior cases involving prosecutors like Cappuccio and Pazuhanich, citing case numbers and dates. The text is in standard serif font on white paper.
Page 41 of a suspension order detailing attorney misconduct cases.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 41) from a legal document, likely a court order or disciplinary report. It contains two paragraphs describing the conduct of attorneys Pazuhanich and Carbone, including their roles, specific violations, and resulting sanctions such as disbarment or suspension.
Page excerpt detailing attorney misconduct cases and suspension orders.
The image shows a printed page (numbered 42) from a legal opinion or court order. It discusses disciplinary matters involving John T. Olshock and Charles J. Allano, citing specific case numbers and dates. The text mentions professional conduct violations but does not depict any physical objects like oversized bank checks.
Page 43 of a suspension order detailing misconduct involving ex parte communications and a fictitious Facebook page.
The image shows a single page of text from a formal legal document, likely a court order or disciplinary decision. The visible content describes serious misconduct by the Respondent, including improper communications with judges and use of a fake social media page, resulting in a one-year-one-day suspension.
Recommendation section of a disciplinary order recommending suspension for Stacy Parks Miller.
This is a scanned page (numbered 45) from a formal legal document titled 'RECOMMENDATION' by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It recommends suspending Respondent Stacy Parks Miller for one year and one day, with expenses to be paid by her. The document includes a signature line signed by Dion G. Rassias, Member, dated 12.6.18, and notes that three members were recused.
After the county voted Parks Miller out, the Disciplinary Board finally took action against her eight years after the first documented misconduct report. I have included the order suspending her law license below. The suspension was for one year, after which she could apply for reinstatement. I believe the committee denied her first application, and she is still not allowed to practice law. That’s not stopped her from plastering Tinder and Bumble with trashy photos; see below. In the misconduct report, you can read about all the other misconduct Parks Miller committed in the 13-page committee recommendation and 45-page order contained in the image gallery. In particular, as noted by the Disciplinary Board, the role of a prosecutor is to serve the public and seek justice, not convictions or victim advocacy, and that “She’s harmed the public perception of the judiciary and the level of trust in the criminal justice system.” I wonder how many district attorneys see their role as truth and justice seekers and not punishers; I suspect few.