The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Justice Joan Orie Melvin’s trial date has been set for January 23, 2013. Justice Orie Melvin will stand trial on seven charges, including theft of services, conspiracy, official oppression, and misapplication of entrusted funds.
 
The charges stem from allegations that Justice Orie Melvin used her taxpayer funded judicial staff to campaign for the state Supreme Court in 2003 and 2009. The trial court consolidated the trial of Janine Orie with that of the Justice. Janine Orie, Justice Orie Melvin's sister, worked as an administrative assistant to the Justice and is alleged to have been involved with the illegal campaign activities.

For more on the proceedings against Justice Orie Melvin, please visit www.pmconline.org, keyword search: Orie Melvin.