Seamus McCaffery to retire

State Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery retired from his position today one week after he was suspended after a pornographic email scandal rocked the state capitol.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, McCaffery decided to retire rather than enter a lengthy legal battle that would cost a significant amount of time and money.

Last week four other justices voted in favor of the 64-year-old’s suspension from the bench.

While in office he publicly feuded with Chief Justice Ron Castille, also of Philadelphia, who had been instrumental in bringing to light sexually explicit emails sent and received in McCaffery’s state-issued email address.

The 70-year-old Castille will step down on Dec. 31 after reaching the age limit to hold the office.

With McCaffery’s retirement, the Judicial Conduct Board is no longer pursuing an investigation into McCaffery. As part of the agreement McCaffery will not seek elective judicial office.

McCaffery, a native of Northeast Philadelphia, rose from police officer to one of the highest positions in the state.