Feds Seek 11 Years For Ex-Southampton Judge: Report

LOWER SOUTHAMPTON, PA — Federal prosecutors are seeking up to 11 years in prison for a former Lower Southampton judge who admitted to money laundering, bribery and extortion while he was in office.

The Intelligencer reports that a sentencing memorandum released last week argues that harsh punishment is necessary for John Waltman, 61, to send a message to other public officials.

Waltman was scheduled to be sentenced on Monday.

"He sought to enrich himself to the detriment of the citizens of Lower Southampton," U.S. Attorney William McSwain wrote, according to the paper. "Waltman betrayed the trust of the citizens of Lower Southampton who elected him and betrayed the robe that he should have been honored to wear."

A lifelong Lower Southampton resident, Waltman had been involved in local politics for decades, the Intelligencer reports. He was the former chairman of the Lower Southampton Republican Committee. He also was the longtime elected state constable before he was appointed to take over as Lower Southampton’s district judge after his sister, Susan McEwen, retired.

Among the charges against him is that Waltman and a co-defendant — former Lower Southampton Public Safety Director Robert P. Hoopes — tried to extort a businessman who wanted to seek zoning variances in the township.

The township's zoning department is under ongoing investigations by the state labor department and the Bucks County District Attorney's office.

To read the original Intelligencer report, click here.