Blairsville judge charged in hit-and-run

INDIANA COUNTY, Pa. — Blairsville Magisterial District Judge Jennifer Rega has been formally charged in connection to a hit-and-run crash that investigators said happened the night of Sept. 13 in Cherry Hill Township.

Indiana County law enforcement sources late Wednesday night tipped off Channel 11's Joe Holden that charges had been filed in the case, including accidents involving damage, a misdemeanor count, careless driving and other summary offenses.

Rega is also charged with obstruction of the administration of justice.

The magistrate has been on leave pending the outcome of previously undisclosed "incident," according to information from Indiana County President Judge William J. Martin.

Rega's attorney tells Channel 11 in his 23 years of defending clients, he has never seen an obstruction of justice charge added to a case involving allegations of hit-and-run.

"Frankly this incident occurred during an off-duty time and doesn't relate to Judge Rega's performance as a judge," said Robert Muir. "She has an impeccable reputation."

Rega's attorney says they will be working to resolve the case.

Court record allege Rega was seen driving erratically when she sideswiped another car and kept going. Witnesses followed and eventually caught up with Rega.

According to record, witnesses told police there was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the car and that Rega was having trouble opening the door, speaking, understanding, slurring her speech and seemed to be disoriented.

“I believe she does (disagree with the assertion that she was intoxicated),” said Muir. “We don’t believe she was driving impaired.”

Muir pointed out that there are no DUI charges. He also said he spoke to state police a day after the crash and welcomed them to take pictures of the limited damage to her SUV.

According to Pennsylvania courts officials, Rega has continued to collect her $89,000-a-year salary while she is on administrative leave. A senior judge has been handling cases during Rega's absence.