Three indicted Traffic Court judges suspended without pay

Three judges indicted in the Philadelphia Traffic Court ticket-fixing scandal were suspended indefinitely without pay Friday by the state Supreme Court.

Traffic Court Judges Michael Lowry and Michael J. Sullivan and District Judge Mark A. Bruno of Chester County were relieved of their duties pending further action by the high court. Bruno occasionally heard Traffic Court cases.

Common Pleas Court Judge Gary S. Glazer, administrative judge of Traffic Court, had immediately removed the judges from hearing cases after they were indicted Thursday.

On Friday, Glazer applauded the high court's action.

"I am gratified that they took this action so quickly," said Glazer, appointed to overhaul Traffic Court after FBI raids in 2011. "It's another step to restore confidence."

Henry E. Hockeimer Jr., Sullivan's lawyer, said Friday: "We are carefully reviewing the indictment and making a determination as to whether a pretrial motion to dismiss would be warranted."

In a statement Thursday, Hockeimer said: "Judge Sullivan never asked for nor did he receive any bribe, kickback, or anything of value in exchange for performing his duties as an elected Traffic Court judge. Judge Sullivan handled each case before him fairly and competently."

According to the indictment, Sullivan collected ticket-fix requests in a box behind the bar at the Fireside Tavern he owned in South Philadelphia.

Michael Schwartz, Lowry's attorney, could not be reached for comment. Bruno is out of town and is expected to surrender later.

Nine current and former Traffic Court judges were charged with conspiracy and fraud Thursday following a three-year federal investigation.