Indiana Co. Judge Charged With Hit-And-Run, Obstructing Law
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – An Indiana County judge has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and obstructing justice after she allegedly sideswiped an oncoming vehicle last month.
Blairsville District Judge Jennifer Rega, 41, was placed on paid leave last month after state court officials learned she was under investigation for the Sept. 13 crash.
According to a state police compliant, Rega's SUV crossed the center line just after midnight that morning and knocked the mirror off an oncoming car owned by Tina Johns of Clymer.
The people in the car followed Rega and told police she seemed intoxicated and smelled of alcohol when they tried to speak with her, but that she drove away before police arrived.
"I have enough drama in my life," said Johns. "I don't need anymore. I just want my mirror fixed, whatever happens to her happens."
The state attorney generals filed several traffic misdemeanors and summary offenses, but also included obstruction of law or government function.
"This is a traffic accident that's mushroomed into a criminal complaint," said defense attorney Robert Muir.
"She was then pulled over by some individuals who were irate and intimidating," he added. "She felt unsafe and she exited the area."
Rega, who is also an attorney, is in her third term as judge.
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