Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline — May 22, 2026 - Order (Judicial Diversion Program)

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# COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COURT OF JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE

IN RE:

Judge Amy L. Zanelli

:

:

:

Magisterial District Judge

:

:

No. 1 JD 2026

Magisterial District 31-1-06

Lehigh County

:

## ORDER

AND NOW, this 22nd day of May 2026, it is hereby ORDERED that Magisterial District
Judge Amy L. Zanelli is placed on Judicial Diversion. Additionally, Magisterial District Judge
Danielle N. Travagline (Mentor) is appointed as a counselor and mentor to Magisterial District
Judge Zanelli.

## Statement of Reasons

On January 7, 2026, the Judicial Conduct Board filed a Complaint against Magisterial
District Judge Amy L. Zanelli, alleging that she engaged in judicial misconduct including:

1\)
Making intemperate statements to employees working for her;

2\)
Using profanity in front of her staff;

3\)
Having a "book of grudges' at her office listing her grudges
against some of the people she had dealt with;

4\)
Keeping a sexually explicit calendar in view of her employees:

5\)
Refusing to allow a defendant to cross-examine a victim;

6\)
Being unavailable or tardy for court;

7\)
Being impatient, undignified and discourteous in the course of
her duties.

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## Mentorship

1\.
To help resolve the issues presented by the Complaint in this case and to
educate Magisterial District Judge Zanelli, the Mentor will meet at least six times between
today through December 31, 2026. The frequency of meetings may be changed if approved
by the court.

2\.
The sessions may be in-person meetings and/or by electronic or telephonic
means.

3\.
Both the Mentor and Magisterial District Judge Zanelli are to work together in
a collegial, cooperative, and honest manner, in good faith, and with due regard for the
responsibilities and competencies of the other.

4\.
Mentoring will occur on the subjects set forth above. Magisterial District Judge
Zanelli is to use her best efforts to attend continuing education programs, read and study
written materials, engage in good faith discussion about the issues presented and to resolve
those issues with the guidance of the Mentor.

5\.
The Mentor is permitted to observe Magisterial District Judge Zanelli at her
District Court as necessary to accomplish the stated goals of this diversion program.

6\.
Effect of a substantial failure to comply with the term of the
Agreement. If the Mentor concludes, at any time, that Magisterial District Judge Zanelli is
not satisfactorily progressing with the terms of this Order, she is to notify the Court of Judicial
Discipline of the same, by email and/or in writing. The Mentor is requested to be in contact
with counsel to the Court of Judicial Discipline monthly with reports of her sessions with
Magisterial District Judge Zanelli. The Mentor is acting under the authority of the Court of
Judicial Discipline and is included within its immunity.

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## Additional Conditions

In addition to the Mentorship set forth above, Magisterial District Judge Zanelli will be
on probation for one year. During that year, Magisterial District Judge Zanelli will not commit
any misconduct. Magisterial District Judge Zanelli also agrees that for the length of her
probation the Judicial Conduct Board may inform the Court of Judicial Discipline of any
founded misconduct that would support the filing of charges or a resolution with a Letter of
Counsel.

PER CURIAM

CERTIFIED FROM THE RECORD

MAY 2 2 2026
Infafor
Clerk of Court