Judicial Conduct Board charges Philadelphia Judge Scott DiClaudio with trying to influence a case linked to Meek Mill.

The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board has formally charged Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio with multiple ethical violations, recommending his suspension without pay. This action follows allegations that DiClaudio attempted to influence a colleague’s decision regarding a case involving Dwayne Jones, a friend of Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill.

The board’s complaint, made public on Tuesday, outlines DiClaudio’s alleged breach of judicial conduct by engaging in conversations that could alter the outcome of legal proceedings overseen by another judge. The board characterized DiClaudio’s behavior as extreme and detrimental to the reputation of the judiciary.

DiClaudio’s legal representatives have categorically denied all wrongdoing, asserting that the judge has consistently demonstrated fairness and impartiality in his role on the bench. They emphasized his commitment to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and dismissed the complaints as unfounded.

The controversy began when DiClaudio was placed on administrative leave in June. A report surfaced indicating that DiClaudio had approached another judge, Zachary Shaffer, concerning the defendant in question, implying a favorable sentence for Jones, who was facing charges related to illegal gun possession linked to a fatal shooting incident.

According to the complaint, Shaffer and his law clerk visited DiClaudio’s chambers on June 12 to purchase merchandise from a cheesesteak shop owned by DiClaudio’s spouse. During this visit, DiClaudio allegedly requested that the law clerk leave the room to facilitate a private discussion with Shaffer. Reports indicate that DiClaudio revealed notes containing the courtroom number and the defendant’s name, purportedly suggesting favorable treatment.

Following this interaction, Shaffer reported the exchange to his superiors and subsequently recused himself from the case involving Jones.

The Judicial Conduct Board has filed its petition with the Court of Judicial Discipline, asking for DiClaudio’s suspension while investigations continue. The board indicated that allowing DiClaudio to retain his judicial responsibilities during this inquiry could further erode public confidence in the judiciary.

This filing marks the second set of allegations against DiClaudio within the year and the third instance since 2020. In previous disciplinary actions, DiClaudio faced sanctions for failing to disclose financial debts and for misusing his judicial position in connection with his wife’s business.

Judge DiClaudio, who was elected to the bench in November 2015, has presided over notable cases, particularly those involving exonerations and the reassessment of wrongful convictions. Following the current allegations, he is keen to restore his reputation, with legal counsel stating he remains committed to addressing and contesting the complaints.

As this situation develops, the outcome of the proceedings and the impact on DiClaudio’s career remain closely watched by legal experts and the public alike.