Philadelphia family court judge arrested for assault, suspended without pay

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Family Court Judge Michael Fanning has been suspended without pay after he was charged with assault in a domestic incident on Monday.

The Judicial Conduct Board said allowing him to remain on the bench during the criminal case would erode public trust in the system.

Charging documents outline an attack on two women inside Fanning's Torresdale home.

Fanning, who has served as a Family Court judge since 2014, is charged with aggravated assault and simple assault after two women, ages 58 and 30, called police when they were allegedly attacked.

Philadelphia police say the older victim was punched and knocked to the ground. The younger woman tried to intervene and was dragged by her hair.

While Fanning's attorney has not commented, the court system released a statement saying, "The Court moved expeditiously to restrict Judge Fanning's access to the building and immediately reassigned all of his cases. He has been placed on Administrative Leave."

The Philadelphia Bar Association said it is deeply concerned about the severity of the claims and charges against Fanning, adding that the justice system works the same for everyone and that he is innocent until proven guilty.