Judge Suspended Over Racist Comments

PITTSBURGH (AP) – A Pennsylvania judge accused of making racist comments about a juror has been barred from hearing any cases. A court order issued Tuesday says Judge Mark Tranquilli was suspended after being accused of referring to a black female juror as “Aunt Jemima” repeatedly in comments in the chambers following the acquittal of a drug suspect on Jan. 24. Allegheny County Bar Association says it is also “demanding a complete investigation” by the state’s Judicial Conduct Board. Tranquilli was temporarily reassigned to summary appeals on Tuesday following an interview of the judge by court administration staff. He did not responded to requests for comment this week.