Schuylkill County Judge Chides GOP Challenger for District Attorney, Finds Him In Contempt

The challenger in this year’s Republican Primary for Schuylkill County District Attorney was scolded twice and was found to be in contempt of court last week for conduct that was called “offensive to the legal profession” by a Court of Common Pleas Judge.

John Urbanski had contempt hearings scheduled in Schuylkill County Court on Monday and Friday last week. Each of the hearings involved child custody cases.

Urbanski is challenging current District Attorney Mike O’Pake, who is now running for the Republican nomination in 2025 after defecting from the Democrat Party earlier this year.

During Friday’s hearing, which Urbanski appeared 40 minutes late for – after it was adjourned – Schuylkill County Judge Chris Hobbs determined that Urbanski and his client were in contempt for “willfully, knowingly, and intentionally violating” court orders on Jan. 17 and March 4.

Urbanski was fined $500 by Hobbs, which must be paid within 20 days. His client was fined $250.

When reached for comment, Urbanski told The Canary he has “full respect for the court.”

He also said, “These are the typical nuances private attorneys face when doing the hard work, especially those who are actively involved and participate in all their cases.”

Hobbs Scolds Urbanski During Contempt Hearings

Friday’s hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Schuylkill County Courthouse. In an order handed down by Hobbs, it’s noted that Urbanski showed at the Courthouse at 10:10 a.m.

On Monday last week, Urbanski narrowly escaped being held in contempt after being read the Riot Act by Hobbs.

Urbanski found himself before Hobbs on Monday afternoon regarding his actions in a separate custody case. That hearing started out poorly for the DA challenger when he showed up about eight minutes late.

“First and foremost, it’s your responsibility to appear on time,” Hobbs said.

Based on testimony during Monday’s hearing, Urbanski was representing a woman in a custody case that was set to go to trial on March 7. However, two days before the start of the trial, Urbanski decided he wanted to remove himself as her attorney.

“Why would you believe that would be appropriate, especially with friction with your client,” Hobbs asked.

Urbanski first explained, “I didn’t want to provide incomplete exhibits. I messaged her …”

Hobbs questioned Urbanski’s actions and wondered why he didn’t contact the court or the opposing attorney to let them know that he was having problems with his client over payment and needed to separate himself from the case.

“You didn’t let her (Attorney Christine Holman) know you were going to be withdrawing. You didn’t let her know that the matter might be continued,” Hobbs said to Urbanski.

He replied, “I called her … and I informed her that I didn’t have the exhibits. I apologize. I didn’t believe the court would mind, and I do greatly apologize.”

Hobbs also offered sharp criticism of Urbanski’s communication method with his client in this case. When Hobbs asked if he’d been corresponding with his client regarding scheduling of important dates and deadlines ahead of the trial that was to take place, Urbanksi said those communications were before Hobbs. He referenced “attachments” that were filed for Monday’s hearing.

“I see a bunch of text messages,” Hobbs said.

Urbanski replied, “Those are the messages between she and I.”

“They’re not correspondence,” Hobbs said. “Text message isn’t the way to correspond with your client. You have a duty to keep your client informed of the process of your case. Text message isn’t a way to do that.

“The garbage that you filed today, it’s insulting to (your client). It’s insulting to Attorney (Christine) Holman (the opposing attorney in this case). It’s insulting to me. But most importantly, it’s insulting to yourself,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs told Urbanski to seek a mentor in the legal profession who would be more than willing to help him navigate proper courthouse procedures.

“Right now, what you’re doing is offensive to the legal profession,” Hobbs said. “You’re lucky that Attorney Holman isn’t asking for you to be sanctioned and that you have to pay her client’s attorney fees.”

In his order from Friday’s hearing, Hobbs reiterated his recommendation for Urbanski to seek a mentor and doubled down on his rebuke of the attorney’s actions.

“Attorney Urbanski’s course of conduct and his defiance of Court Orders indicates a complete disrespect of this Court,” Hobbs writes. “(He) continues to show an utter disregard of this Court’s orders.”

It’s also abundantly clear that Urbanski is intent on maintaining his challenge of O’Pake in the May 20 Primary.

“Let’s not confuse routine legal proceedings with real issues, such as illegal immigration, the drug epidemic, or party flipping to hold on to power,” Urbanski said.

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...