Butler County’s president judge has been relieved of his administrative duties.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down the decision concerning President Judge Thomas Doerr in an order on Thursday. Doerr will remain in his role as president judge and keep the title, but Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Marilyn Horan will assume the administrative responsibilities of the position.
The high court said Judge Horan will “exercise governing authority for the administration of the court system normally performed by the president judge,” according to Stacey Witalec, communications director for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
The order is effective until further order from the court.
“The Court did not remove Judge Doerr as president judge,” Witalec said in an email to the Butler Radio Network. “He remains in that role.”
Controversy has surrounded Judge Doerr over the last few weeks after a lawsuit was filed against him alleging sexual misconduct and workplace discrimination. Doerr has been a judge in county court since 1992 and was named president judge in August 2000.
Doerr reportedly recused himself from some administrative duties in relation to the pending litigation, which prompted the switch in duties. He has been a judge in county court since 1992 and was named president judge in August 2000.
County commissioner Leslie Osche said the decision was made by the state Supreme Court and the commissioners had no input. She said she doesn’t expect there will be any disruption in cases being heard.
Click here to read more about the suit filed against Judge Doerr.
