Pennsylvania Judge Charged With Misconduct Over 'Book of Grudges,' Absences and Profanity

Overview

• The Judicial Conduct Board filed formal charges against Lehigh County Magisterial District Judge Amy Zanelli and presented the case to the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline.
• The complaint says Zanelli kept a “Book of Grudges” in a shared office area that insulted people who appeared in her court; staff declined to contribute, and the book was removed in 2024.
• Allegations include habitual lateness, frequent Friday absences and multi‑week summer breaks, as well as unavailability during on‑call shifts.
• Investigators say she ran Zoom arraignments and preliminary hearings from home without required approval from Feb. 7 to March 8, 2024, while recovering from injuries.
• The filing cites profanity toward staff, a sexually explicit desk calendar later taken down, and bench conduct that barred a defendant from the courtroom and cross‑examination; she has 30 days to respond and could face censure, suspension, fines or removal, while her attorney plans to seek a diversion program following months of therapy.