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| David Tidd |
A memo filed Dec. 5 lists President Judge Stephen Baratta and former President Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden among the 22 witnesses to be called to testify against former District Judge David Tidd.
The Hellertown area district judge stands accused of running a "fast food court" where he brokered settlements at his counter without all parties present. He's accused of using profanity, bullying employees, throwing tantrums and using his judicial robes as a pillow while sleeping in his office.
Tidd attorney Samuel C. Stretton maintains Tidd was set up by his spy employees and was subject to illegal wiretaps in his office.
Deputy Court Administrator Debra French said Tidd specifically asked for audio recording devices when security upgrades were approved for his office. French is among the witnesses on the trial list.
Among the more than 100 exhibits on the judicial conduct board's list are at least four anonymous complaints filed against Tidd. The complaints themselves have not been made public.
Baratta said Monday he's not sure why he would be called as a witness. The document posted Dec. 5 says Baratta will be called to verify allegations of improper demeanor by Tidd and about retaliation Tidd threatened against his employees.
"This is the first I've heard that there's going to be a trial," Baratta said Monday. "If they subpoena me to be a witness, I'll be a witness. No one has contacted me since Judge Tidd's retirement."
French and McFadden didn't immediately respond to messages.
Tidd resigned July 25, less than a year into his second six-year term. The complaint was filed against him Aug. 26.
The witness list includes employees from Tidd's former office, district court in Lehigh Township, the Northampton County 911 center and for police from Lower Saucon Township, Hellertown and the Slate Belt Regional Police Department.
The complete list is on the website of the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline.
A trial date has yet to be set.
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22 witnesses poised to testify in ex-judge's misconduct trial
When I read this kind of article, I always wonder how many complaints were filed against this judge and dismissed by the judicial committee? I wish someone was keeping track.
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