A judge in St. Charles County, Missouri faces an exit from his position following a scathing judicial report that accused him of frequently wearing an Elvis Presley wig and playing the singer’s songs during court sessions. Matthew E.P. Thornhill, a circuit judge, has reached an agreement with the state disciplinary board for a six-month suspension without pay, followed by a return for 18 months, and then resignation as per court documents.
The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline of Judges highlighted Thornhill’s repeated failure to maintain courtroom decorum. The report revealed instances of him wearing an Elvis wig during official duties, allowing litigants to choose how they wanted to be sworn in, including selecting a Presley track from his phone, and reciting unrelated Elvis lyrics during hearings.
The proposal for his departure is currently under review by the Missouri Supreme Court, which recently received 35 letters praising his character. However, these commendations sharply contrast with the commission’s report detailing his inappropriate conduct.
Investigators found that Thornhill regularly disregarded the dignity of the courtroom, including wearing an Elvis Presley wig during official proceedings. He was accused of letting litigants select their preferred way of being sworn in, such as choosing a Presley track, and reciting unrelated lyrics from the singer, leaving those present puzzled.
The commission also alleged Thornhill engaged in improper political activities by mentioning his political affiliation from the bench and discussing the placement of his campaign signs during court sessions. Additionally, he provided a personal reference in a juvenile adoption case, violating rules for sitting judges.
In a letter to the state’s highest court, Thornhill admitted to the allegations and their accuracy. He expressed regret for potentially compromising the integrity of proceedings and causing inconvenience. Thornhill, known as the longest-serving circuit judge in St. Charles County, described his attempt to lighten the mood but acknowledged the impact on proceedings.
He apologized for any inconvenience caused and pledged to uphold dignity in serving the people of Missouri. Thornhill’s court biography highlighted his interests in Elvis, surfing, gardening, soccer, golf with his children, and running with his dog on the Katy Trail.
