HARRISBURG, Pa.--Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin announced Tuesday that he is retiring.
Eakin was suspended in Dec. 2015 over his involvement in swapping emails containing lewd and offensive images.
William Costopoulos, Eakin's attorney, held a news conference in the lobby of the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg Tuesday to make the announcement on behalf of his client. Eakin was not in attendance.
Governor Wolf released the following statement regarding Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin’s resignation:
“The continued abuse of the public trust is simply unacceptable. Today is another reminder of why we must all work with urgency to restore the public's trust in their government as well as the integrity of the judicial system.
“As the Pennsylvania Constitution explicitly states, this vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the governor. I will nominate an individual in due time, and I look forward to the Senate providing advice and consent regarding my nomination."
Pennsylvania Bar Association President William H. Pugh V today issued the following statement about the resignation of Justice J. Michael Eakin from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania:
“The Pennsylvania Bar Association applauds all parties involved for their resolution of this troubling situation," said Pennsylvania Bar Association President William H. Pugh V. " Restoring the public's confidence in the integrity of our judicial system should be everyone’s top priority at this time. It is our hope that the Governor and the Pennsylvania Senate will act expeditiously on the appointment of a qualified interim justice so that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania can function as efficiently as possible.”