Former Chesco Judge Sentenced In Theft Of PAC Funds To Gamble

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A former Chester County District judge charged with using campaign contributions to gamble recently pleaded guilty to charges of theft.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro's Office reported in September that Michael J. Cabry III, 60, of Coatesville, pleaded guilty to charges brought against him in October 2020, after he repeatedly withdrew funds donated to his reelection Political Action Committee (PAC) and used the funds to gamble at casinos in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

"The defendant has taken responsibility for his actions that undermined both his authority as a judge and the public's trust," said Shapiro. "My office is dedicated to holding public officials who break the law accountable, without fear or favor."

Cabry also used the campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including laundry services, groceries, and hotel stays, the AG's report said. Cabry failed to file his campaign finance reports for the period of time during which he was making these purchases.

Cabry has pleaded guilty to charges of theft by unlawful taking and violations of the election code.

He was sentenced to 12 months probation. This case was heard before the Honorable Senior Judge Stephen B. Lieberman. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Megan Madaffari.

Read an earlier Patch report on the case here.

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