Pennsylvania Judge Fights to Keep Job After Allegedly Influencing Sentencing

A Philadelphia judge accused of attempting to influence a colleague's sentencing decision by passing him a note is pleading for leniency to preserve his career and pension. Judge Scott DiClaudio, 62, is awaiting a decision from Pennsylvania's disciplinary court after the Judicial Conduct Board recommended his permanent removal from office.

The allegations stem from an incident in June 2025, when DiClaudio allegedly approached Common Pleas Court Judge Zachary Shaffer and handed him a piece of paper that read, "Dwayne Jones, courtroom 905, and Monday's date." Shaffer testified that DiClaudio then told him, "You probably would have done the right thing anyway." Shaffer, who was scheduled to sentence Jones on firearm offenses days later, reported the encounter to his supervisors and recused himself from the case.

DiClaudio faces charges including violating the law, failing to promote public confidence in the judiciary, and allowing personal relationships to influence his conduct. He was suspended without pay in September 2025.

During a hearing, DiClaudio tearfully defended his actions, stating the note was a misunderstanding and not an attempt to improperly influence the case. "It was improper and wrong. There was no good reason to say that even though it wasn't my intention to influence the case," DiClaudio said. He expressed regret for his words and asked the court to allow him to work a few more weeks to secure his pension and his wife's lifetime health insurance before retiring.

However, the Judicial Conduct Board argued that DiClaudio's actions were calculated, particularly given Jones' alleged ties to rapper Meek Mill, with whom DiClaudio has a known association. "This remark was not simply a compliment, not simply an off-the-cuff remark. It was calculated to occur three days prior to this man's sentencing," said Elizabeth Hoffheins, deputy counsel for the board. Hoffheins also cited a pattern of "boorish" and improper behavior, asserting that "anything less than removal would fall short of restoring the public’s trust."

DiClaudio and Shaffer offered conflicting accounts of the incident. Shaffer testified that he understood DiClaudio's gesture as an attempt to influence the sentencing, likening it to "putting your thumb on the scale of justice." He reported the event the following day.

DiClaudio, conversely, claimed he was merely relaying a compliment he had given to Jones, stating that Jones had approached him at the Roots Picnic and expressed appreciation for Shaffer as a judge. DiClaudio asserted he was sharing this to compliment Shaffer, not to influence the case. He also suggested the meeting was to inquire about a defense attorney Shaffer was dating who had failed to appear in court on a case DiClaudio had just handled.

DiClaudio, who has been on the bench since 2016, has a reputation for both efficiency and a blunt communication style. His attorneys have previously described him as "tough to control." The current ethics complaint is the third against him. In 2020, he was found to have violated the judicial code of conduct for undisclosed debts and failure to pay a fitness club, resulting in a suspension and probation. Last April, he faced accusations of using his judicial position to promote his wife's cheesesteak business, a case that is still ongoing.

During the hearing, DiClaudio acknowledged his tendency to "talk a lot," describing it as both his greatest strength and weakness. He admitted he might be a "crazier judge" but maintained he made the right decisions. The tribunal is expected to take months to reach a decision on DiClaudio's fate.