Former judge files for bankruptcy

Former Allegheny County Judge H. Patrick McFalls Jr., who resigned amid charges that he worked while drunk, is seeking Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection from creditors demanding more than $674,000 in unpaid debts.

McFalls, 62, of Shadyside, was among the thousands of people who filed for court protection in early October before changes in bankruptcy laws forced those seeking protection to repay a greater share of their debts.

According to court filings, McFalls owes $412,000 on two mortgages on his Kentucky Avenue home, which he said is valued at $250,000. He also listed another $262,000 in unpaid debts to various banks and a few rental car companies.

The creditors will have a chance to question McFalls during a hearing Nov. 23.

Neither McFalls, nor his attorney, Robert O. Lampl, returned calls for comment.

McFalls, a Common Pleas judge since 1985, resigned in September 2002. At the time, he was facing a trial before the state Judicial Conduct Board on 39 misconduct charges alleging he was drinking on the job, neglecting his duties and appearing intoxicated in public.

The charges were dropped in exchange for his resignation and his promise to never again seek judicial office.

McFalls' bankruptcy filing indicates he receives $7,760 a month from his pension and Social Security. He listed his monthly expenses at $7,720, which includes $3,800 for his mortgage payments.

But SunTrust Mortgage Inc., the holder of the first mortgage, said in a court filing that McFalls has not paid since July 2004. And according to a lawsuit filed by PNC Bank earlier this year, McFalls has failed to make payments on the second mortgage since May 2002.

The only assets McFalls listed in his bankruptcy filing are a 1993 Toyota Corolla, $1,200 in his checking account and $3,000 worth of household items and furniture.

McFalls' bankruptcy filing halts any action by creditors. But lawyers for SunTrust last week asked Judge M. Bruce McCullough to allow mortgage foreclosure to begin. McCullough scheduled a hearing on that request for Nov. 29.