John R. Caffese, the Magisterial District Judge serving Tobyhanna Township and Tunkhannock Township in Monroe County, was arraigned today on criminal charges including Unsworn Falsification to Authorities, False Swearing, Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property and Obstructing Administration of Law.

These charges stem from Caffese misrepresenting his residency in order to appear to reside within the magisterial district of Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships, Monroe County for appointment as a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ). State law requires appointees to live within the district one year prior to appointment.

Mr. Caffese allegedly took steps to make it appear as if he resided within the district when in fact he actually resided in Stroudsburg.

Caffese was appointed MDJ for Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships on July 8, 2022.

After receiving a number of complaints the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office opened a four-month-long investigation into Caffese’s residency which led to the filing of these charges.

Investigation revealed that between April 20, 2022, and June 13, 2022, Caffese submitted a number of documents falsely attesting to his residency in Pocono Summit (Tobyhanna Township).  Based on those representations Caffese was appointed a Magisterial District Judge on July 8, 2022.  Over the following four months Caffese collected wages totaling $20,036.18 knowing that he was not eligible to hold the position.

Caffese was arraigned before MDJ Kristina Anzini on December 1, 2022.

Caffese waived his preliminary hearing and was released on $50,000.00 unsecured bail.  Caffese’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday January 25, 2023.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Rakaczewski will be prosecuting this case.