FBI, IRS Probing Pa. Judge’s Car Insurance Claim Payment

The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating hefty insurance payments made to a Pennsylvania Superior Court judge.

Judge Michael Joyce received $440,000 in insurance money in 2002 for injuries he said he suffered in a car accident, the Erie Times News reported. The FBI and IRS are looking into the extent of Joyce’s injuries, said Dan Strong, a grand jury witness who is the judge’s friend.

Joyce’s attorney, David Ridge, confirmed the investigation. He said Joyce is cooperating and is certain the inquiry will determine he has done nothing wrong.

Joyce said he incurred neck and back injuries after a Ford Explorer rear-ended his car in August 2001.

The grand jury questioned Joyce’s ability to fly a plane, scuba dive and ride a motorcycle since the accident, Strong said. He said he told the grand jury that Joyce often has to take over-the-counter pain relievers and cannot do strenuous activities, such as scuba diving and motorcycle riding a motorcycle, for extended time periods.

“I know him to be an honest, upright person,” Strong said. “I just think this is going to be a dead-end deal. I can’t believe this guy would every put his career or reputation in jeopardy.”

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com