Press Release
Second Former Judge Sentenced In Traffic Court Case
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA – Thomasine Tynes, 71, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for lying about ticket fixing at Philadelphia’s former Traffic Court. A federal jury, on July 23, 2014, found Tynes, a former traffic court judge, guilty of two counts of committing perjury before the federal grand jury investigating the case.
In fashioning the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Stengel agreed with the government that Tynes attempted to obstruct justice during the trial by contacting, and attempting to influence, a key prosecution witness. Tynes contacted the witness multiple times during the trial, commenting on what witnesses were saying from the witness stand and on specific issues arising at trial. This contact included a personal visit to the witness’ home as well as numerous text messages to the witness. Tynes did this in violation of a United States Magistrate Judge’s bail conditions which forbade contact with witnesses in the case.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Stengel ordered a fine of $5,000, a $200 special assessment, and supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise S. Wolf and Anthony J. Wzorek.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
Updated December 17, 2014
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