PA Suspends Law License Of Former Lower Southampton Official

LOWER SOUTHAMPTON, PA — The state of Pennsylvania has suspended the law license of a former Lower Southampton public safety director who is charged in a federal money laundering and extortion case.

Robert P. Hoopes, 72, of Doylestown, pleaded guilty in September on charges that he conspired to launder money and commit extortion in his role with the township. He also worked as an attorney for Lower Southampton in 2014 and 2015.

Hoopes and other officials were indicted in 2016. They are accused of taking around $480,000 in money they thought came from health care funds, drug trafficking seizures and bank fraud. The money was provided by undercover federal agents.

They also are accused of seeking and receiving bribes from business owners.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's disciplinary board announced the suspension of Hoopes' license on Monday. The board's order says it received no response from Hoopes as to why his license shouldn't be suspended.

Hoopes is awaiting sentencing in the case. Also charged in the federal case are former Lower Southampton District Judge John Waltman and former deputy constable Bernard Rafferty.

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