Judge Scott DiClaudio denied wrongdoing and is preventing to maintain his paycheck whereas beneath investigation for allegedly meddling in a case tied to Meek Mill’s affiliate.

A Philly decide is pushing again in opposition to a possible unpaid suspension after being accused of attempting to sway a fellow Philadelphia decide in a felony case tied to Meek Mill, arguing he hasn’t been charged with any crime.

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Scott DiClaudio is beneath formal scrutiny by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board, which claims DiClaudio attempted to influence the sentencing of Dwayne Jones, a 46-year-old man facing firearms charges in connection with a deadly shooting.

Jones is described in court docket paperwork as a private good friend of Meek Mill, and DiClaudio reportedly is aware of the rapper each socially and professionally.

According to the Judicial Conduct Board’s grievance, DiClaudio allegedly slipped Judge Zachary Shaffer a bit of paper with Jones’ identify on it throughout a personal assembly in chambers on June 12, 2025, and mentioned, “I heard you might do the right thing anyway.” Shaffer was scheduled to condemn Jones simply 4 days later.

The conduct board filed expenses in opposition to DiClaudio in September, citing “a host of ethical violations.”

While DiClaudio has been faraway from the bench through the investigation, his authorized workforce insists he did nothing improper and is preventing to keep away from a suspension with out pay.

The decide argues that as a result of he hasn’t been criminally charged, the disciplinary court docket shouldn’t impose penalties. His attorneys are urging the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline to reject the board’s request.

Jones’ case, which includes critical allegations tied to a deadly taking pictures, has solely intensified the highlight on the judiciary’s inner requirements. The alleged try and affect sentencing has raised considerations about impartiality and judicial boundaries.

Meek Mill has lengthy been a vocal advocate for felony justice reform, significantly after his personal authorized battles garnered nationwide consideration to probation legal guidelines and systemic inequities.

His ties to each Jones and DiClaudio have added one other layer of public curiosity to the case. The disciplinary court docket has but to announce when it would rule on DiClaudio’s request to keep away from unpaid suspension.

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