Forfeiture Hearing Set in Ex-Pennsylvania Judge’s Fraud Conviction

A federal court forfeiture hearing is set in the case of a former Pennsylvania Superior Court judge convicted of insurance fraud.

Michael Joyce, of Millcreek Township, is serving a 46-month prison sentence for collecting $440,000 in a low-speed accident in August 2001.

Federal prosecutors say the former appeals judge used his position to influence the claims process and exaggerated injuries to his neck and back to collect the money. A judge ordered Joyce to forfeit various items bought with the money, including a $360,000 home purchased in 2003.

Joyce’s wife, Joanne, and ErieBank, which holds the mortgage, are challenging the forfeiture order. A hearing scheduled for Aug. 31 was postponed until Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Maurice Cohill in Erie.