Philadelphia Family Court Judge Michael Fanning, 60, allegedly assaulted his wife and 30-year-old daughter at their East Torresdale home on March 9, 2026. Prosecutors say he punched his wife multiple times, threw her down, strangled her, and yanked his daughter to the ground by her hair, injuring her face. Arrested Monday, he posted $200,000 unsecured bail with a no-contact order.
Charges and Plea
Fanning faces aggravated assault, two counts each of simple assault and reckless endangerment, plus strangulation. He pleaded not guilty; next hearing March 25. A bail magistrate warned violations could raise bail to $1 million, especially ironic given his domestic violence oversight role.
Professional Fallout
Suspended without pay Thursday; court barred him from the building and reassigned cases. Emergency protection order bars contact with victims. This case highlights accountability ironies for those judging family disputes.
