"The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges recommended a six-month unpaid suspension Nov. 14 for Judge Matthew E.P. Thornhill of the 11th Judicial Circuit in St. Charles County, Missouri. After serving the suspension, Thornhill would return to the bench for 18 months and retire on the last day, with an agreement never to return to the bench."
"According to the first count of the ethics complaint, Thornhill failed to maintain decorum when he: * Routinely wore an Elvis Presley wig on Halloween while conducting court business in the courtroom, his chambers and the courthouse. * Sometimes gave litigants and witnesses a choice of how to be sworn in, including an option that involved playing Presley's music from his phone."
Judge Matthew E.P. Thornhill of the 11th Judicial Circuit in St. Charles County, Missouri, acknowledged substantial accuracy of a three-count ethics complaint. The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges recommended a six-month unpaid suspension followed by an 18-month return to the bench and retirement on the final day under an agreement never to serve again. The recommendation will go to the Missouri Supreme Court for approval. The complaint alleges Thornhill wore an Elvis Presley wig on Halloween during court business, played Presley music from his phone, offered Presley-themed swearing-in options, referenced Presley lyrics, engaged in political activity from the bench, and hand-delivered a character reference in an adoption matter.
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