Judge accused of making racist comments resigns before misconduct trial

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Judge Mark Tranquilli resigned on the eve of his misconduct trial.

Tranquilli’s attorney confirmed the news. He was accused of six separate misconduct counts relating to both family and criminal court.

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He was suspended without pay after making racist remarks about a Black female juror in February. “You weren’t out of strikes when you decided to put Aunt Jemima on the jury,” he allegedly said to a district attorney in his chambers. He was reassigned shortly following the alleged incident, and he was suspended without pay in September.

His trial was scheduled before a three-judge panel of the Court of Judicial Discipline in Brookville.

Judge suspended, accused of making racist remarks argues decision was made without due process

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