In an unusual move, officials have barred a district judge in Pittsburgh from overseeing the stage in court proceedings when bail is first set for criminal defendants.
The decision by Allegheny County court administrators to prevent Xander Orenstein from presiding over arraignments comes after Orenstein earlier this month released on non-monetary bond a man who police said led them on a dangerous, high-speed chase.
The man — who was already out on bond for a different criminal case when he was arrested and then released by Orenstein — did not show up to court Monday for a hearing.
Orenstein, who uses they/them pronouns, has been the subject of similar criticism relating to earlier bail decisions. Last year, Orenstein released a New York man accused of bringing $1.6 million of fentanyl into Pittsburgh. That man fled the Pittsburgh region.
Allegheny County Common Pleas Court administration said that the prohibition on Orenstein is effective immediately.
Joe Asturi, a court spokesman, would not say how long that restriction will remain or what, if any, other measures are planned. Asturi would also not say what prompted the change.