Embattled NorCo Court Administrator Now Faces Felony Charge

In September, Lehigh Valley Live reported that Northampton County's Court Administrator Jermaine Greene was the subject of a temporary Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) based on allegations by his wife that he soaked his wife's clothing in gasoline, broke her rib and threatened to kill her. 

A temporary PFA is based on allegations alone. But Greene was charged by Pennsylvania State Police with criminal mischief as a summary offense based on his wife's allegation that he soaked her clothing in gasoline on August 22, I posted a story.  Now it's time for another. 

Greene has been charged again by Pennsylvania State Police, but now it's a felony. He's been charged both with burglary, a second-degree felony, and harassment as a summary offence based on a new incident occurring on September 4. 

Under Pennsylvania law, "A person commits the offense of burglary if, with the intent to commit a crime therein, the person: ... enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof that is adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense any person is present."

In addition, the temporary PFA is now permanent, meaning he's barred from contacting his wife for three years. 

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 18, 10 am, before Magisterial District Judge Jamie Levy in Monroe County. 

A second-degree felony charge is a serious accusation in Pa. It carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $25,000.   

The courts have previously declined comment but it's abundantly clear that Greene's career is over. Judges are reportedly looking for a new court administrator.  

NorCo Court Administrator Charged With Criminal Mischief After Domestic Dispute

Earlier this month, Lehigh Valley Live reported that Northampton County's Court Administrator Jermaine Greene has been the subject of a temporary Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) based on allegations by his wife that he soaked his wife's clothing in gasoline, broke her rib and threatened to kill her. 

It is important to note that a temporary PFA is based on allegations alone. Rightly or wrongly, I generally avoid writing about temporary PFAs unless they are accompanied by contemporaneous criminal charges or involve a police officer. I've taken a lot of heat for refusing to write about this story. Greene has many enemies at the courthouse. Moreover, there are those who would rather see me writing about Greene's PFA than a very negative Grand Jury report about Gracedale. 

I am writing about the PFA now because criminal charges have been filed. Greene been charged by Middle Smithfield Tp police with criminal mischief as a summary offense based on his wife's allegation that he soaked her clothing in gasoline on August 22. No charges have been filed concerning any assault or death threat. 

The courts have declined comment.  

(This was originally posted on 9/26, and is being reposted).

NorCo Court Administrator Jill Cicero Resigns

Jill Cicero, assisting PJ Stephen Baratta at Council

After 35 years with Northampton County, Court Administrator Jill Cicero, age 56, announced her retirement today in a brief letter to Thomas Darr, who oversees court administrator offices throughout the state. She first started out as a probation officer in 1981.

In April, Jill's husband passed away, and she has been battling health issues of her own. She was highly respected, both by the judges for whom she worked as well as other county employees. She always left people with the impression that she was one of them, not a superior.. In reality, she supervised well over 300 county workers while assisting the courts in ensuring that cases were heard.

J. Jermaine Greene, who currently serves as a Deputy Court Administrator and has been employed at the County for the past 16 years, is her obvious successor. He has performed admirably as Jill has recovered from her illness and would bring diversity to an important administrative position. But that will be a decision for the courts.

NorCo Court Administator Jill Cicero Resigns by BernieOHare on Scribd