A judge in St. Charles County, Missouri, is set to step down following a scathing report that accused him of frequently wearing an Elvis Presley wig and playing the singer’s music during court sessions. Matthew E.P. Thornhill, a circuit judge, has reached an agreement with the state disciplinary board resulting in a six-month suspension without pay, followed by 18 months of service, and subsequent resignation.
According to the Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline of Judges, Thornhill consistently disregarded courtroom decorum. The report outlined instances where he wore an Elvis wig during official duties, allowed individuals to choose how they wanted to be sworn in, including selecting Elvis tracks, and quoted unrelated Elvis lyrics during hearings, leaving attendees puzzled.
The proposal for Thornhill’s departure is now pending before the Missouri Supreme Court, which recently received 35 commendatory letters about his character. However, these positive testimonials sharply contrast the commission’s findings on his behavior.
Investigators revealed that Thornhill routinely failed to uphold the dignity of the courtroom by wearing an Elvis wig on specific dates while presiding over proceedings. He was also accused of permitting litigants to pick Presley songs for swearing-in ceremonies and reciting unrelated lyrics from the singer, causing confusion among witnesses and participants.
The commission further alleged that Thornhill engaged in improper political activities by referencing his political affiliation and discussing his campaign signs during court sessions. Additionally, he provided a personal reference for another judge in a juvenile adoption case, which violated judicial regulations.
In a letter to the state’s highest court, Thornhill admitted that the allegations were substantially accurate. He expressed regret for potentially compromising the integrity of court proceedings with his actions and assured a commitment to serving the people of Missouri with honor and dignity in the future.
Thornhill, the longest-serving circuit judge in St. Charles County, is known for his love of Elvis, surfing, gardening, soccer, golfing with his children, and running with his dog on the Katy Trail, according to his court biography.
