A circuit judge in St. Charles County, Missouri, is set to step down from his position following a scathing judicial report that revealed his habit of wearing an Elvis Presley wig and playing the singer’s music during court sessions. Matthew E.P. Thornhill has reached an agreement with the state disciplinary board, resulting in a six-month suspension without pay, followed by 18 months of reinstatement before ultimately resigning.

The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline of Judges criticized Thornhill for repeatedly disregarding courtroom decorum. The report outlined instances where he wore an Elvis wig during official proceedings, allowed individuals to choose how they wanted to be sworn in, including selecting Elvis tracks, and recited unrelated lyrics from the singer during hearings, leaving attendees puzzled.

The proposal for his departure is pending approval from the Missouri Supreme Court, despite receiving commendations from 35 individuals lauding his character. However, these accolades starkly contrast with the commission’s findings of his misconduct.

Investigators found Thornhill consistently failed to maintain the dignity of the courtroom, even wearing the Elvis wig during official duties. He was accused of letting litigants pick their swearing-in methods, including choosing Elvis songs, and reciting lyrics unrelated to the cases at hand, causing confusion among witnesses and participants.

Additionally, the commission alleged that Thornhill engaged in improper political activities by mentioning his political affiliation from the bench and discussing the placement of his campaign signs during court proceedings. He also provided a personal reference in a juvenile adoption case, a breach prohibited for sitting judges.

In a letter to the state’s highest court, Thornhill acknowledged the accuracy of the allegations and expressed regret for his actions that compromised the integrity of court proceedings. He emphasized his commitment to serving with honor and dignity in the future.

Thornhill, the longest-serving circuit judge in St. Charles County, is known for his interests in Elvis, surfing, gardening, soccer, golfing with his children, and running with his dog on the Katy Trail, as stated in his court biography.