Commonwealth v. Druce

BECK, J.:

¶ 1 In this case we decide whether a sentencing judge’s comments to the press were sufficient to constitute an appearance of impropriety and so warrant the judge’s recusal from the matter. In addition, we consider whether the sentencing court abused its discretion in fashioning appellant’s punishment.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

¶ 2 Appellant is Thomas W. Druce, III, a prominent figure in state politics and, until mid-2000, an eight-year member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In September of 2000, appellant pled guilty to a number of charges filed against him in…