Conduct board accuses Lancaster County judge

Pennsylvania's Judicial Conduct Board filed formal charges Friday against a Lancaster County district judge who had pleaded guilty to fixing her own traffic tickets.

In November 2010, Kelly S. Ballentine received three summary traffic citations totaling $268.50 - two for parking violations and one for an expired registrations for a BMW sedan. Ballentine entered the court's computer system and dismissed her tickets. She pleaded guilty Feb. 1 to tampering with public records.

Ballentine, 44, was elected a judge in January 2006. She has been suspended with pay since last February. She has the right to a trial in the Court of Judicial Discipline. If she is found guilty, possible sanctions include reprimand, suspension, and removal from office. - Mari A. Schaefer