Ethics panel files complaint against Lancaster judge

(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania's judicial ethics prosecutors are pursuing charges against a central Pennsylvania magisterial district judge who recently admitted going into the state computer system to dismiss her own traffic citations.

The Judicial Conduct Board on Friday filed a five-count complaint against Lancaster City District Judge Kelly Ballentine.

She'll have an opportunity to respond, and if the Court of Judicial Discipline finds the allegations are proven, she'll face penalties that could include removal from office. She's currently suspended.

Earlier this month, Ballentine pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor tampering with public records or information.

The 44-year-old Ballentine is a lawyer. A phone message to her attorney wasn't immediately returned.