Crime & Safety
Ex-Candidate Posed as District Judge, Police Say
Justin Serfass, a former candidate for West Bethlehem's district judge, was charged with impersonating a public servant, according to a criminal complaint.
A Bethlehem man has been charged with impersonating a public servant after he allegedly told his insurance company he was a magisterial district judge, according to court documents.
Justin R. Serfass, 24, of 1345 Martin Court, was arraigned Feb. 13 by District Judge Jacob Hammond in South Whitehall. He was released on $25,000 bail.
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Serfass had been a candidate for district judge for West Bethlehem in 2011, but he lost to incumbent District Judge Wayne Maura.
The case came to light in January after Hammond received documents, including an accident claim and a civil suit involving Serfass, that identified him as a certified magisterial district judge, according to the criminal complaint.
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hammond did not recognize Serfass' name as an elected judge and inquired about him to H. Gordon Roberts, Lehigh County magisterial district judge administrator, according to the complaint.
Two Erie Insurance Co. agents who were investigating Serfass' accident claim said he told them during several conversations that he was a magisterial district judge, according to court records.
Serfass has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 5.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
