A Staten Island ‘power couple’ of a district attorney and a state Supreme Court justice have been criticized for quietly filing for retirement while continuing to collect annual salaries.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and Supreme Court 13th Judicial District Judge Judith McMahon each earn six-figure salaries while collecting hefty government pensions, according to public records.
The husband and wife duo are suspected of making more than $600,000 in collective gross income.
DA McMahon covertly retired on December 30, 2023, according to a payroll notice independently verified by DailyMail.com.
However, he remained the township’s chief prosecutor, and a later payroll notice listed him as “appointed” from January 2 to January 19.
Public records show his annual salary is $212,800, which means his annual pension, which has not been disclosed, could be more than $127,000.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and District Judge Judith McMahon have been accused of “double dipping” into taxpayer funds (pictured together)
DA McMahon retired on December 30, 2023, but was sworn in for his third term on January 2. Records show his annual salary is $212,800, meaning his annual pension could total more than $127,000.
In a statement to New York PostA spokesman for District Attorney McMahon admitted that he retired last year and subsequently continued to serve as Staten Island’s highest-ranking law enforcement official.
“After more than 30 years of public service to the people of New York, District Attorney McMahon filed his retirement papers at the end of 2023 but, of course, continues to serve as District Attorney of Richmond County,” said the representative.
“Frankly, it’s a no-brainer for those working in public service, as not retiring when you’re eligible puts your family at risk of not receiving any pension if you die.”
The prosecution refused to share the cost of his pension.
DA McMahon was officially sworn in for his third term on January 2 by none other than his wife. Photos from the ceremony show the couple smiling at each other.
The district attorney ran unopposed for re-election last November, presenting himself as a “common sense Democrat” in a predominantly red county.
“He’s very universally loved,” said a Staten Island Democratic operative. City Status last year. “It’s fascinating, though: You’d think any Republican with a pulse could win.”
Judge McMahon retired even earlier than her husband, effective December 31, 2022, according to public records.
He receives an annual salary of $210,900 and collects a pension of $122,916.
Judge McMahon, who retired in December 2022, receives an annual salary of $210,900 and a pension of $122,916, records show.
The district attorney ran unopposed last November, billing himself as a “common sense Democrat” in a deeply red county.
The judge became embroiled in a storm of controversy in 2017 when she was abruptly reassigned to a Manhattan court following accusations of overstepping her administrative powers.
Clerk Michael Pulizotto had recorded her on several occasions and then left his job after facing criticism from court officials, including one who considered him a “rat” on the recordings.
After her husband was nominated by the local Democratic Party to run for district attorney in May 2015, this presented a conflict of interest.
As the court’s administrative judge, Judge McMahon supervised both its civil section and its criminal section, which handles proceedings initiated by the district attorney.
He relinquished his criminal duties to another judge and agreed to handle only civil cases. However, Pulizotto claimed that this never went well.
In a 32-page memo sent to the state Office of Court Administration, he accused Judge McMahon of a series of violations.
The most damning were alleged orders to “suppress” a Freedom of Information Act request in April 2016 and “influence” a judge to grant a defense motion for a mistrial in one case.
The Staten Island district attorney’s office denounced the claims as “baseless” and called Pulizotto “a disgruntled employee.” Judge McMahon was exonerated after an investigation.
A spokesman admitted that prosecutor McMahon, whom a Democratic operative described as “pretty universally liked,” retired last year and subsequently continued working.
The couple lives in a single-family home on Staten Island. Property records show it sold for $392,500 in 1988, but is now valued at more than $990,000.
The couple has faced calls to resign on social media from voters on both sides of the aisle.
‘Another dirty democrat. What’s new?’ A New York City carpenter lashed out at the district attorney on X, formerly Twitter.
“McMahon needs to go,” said a man from neighboring New Jersey.
“This is happening in California too; it should be illegal,” a California Democrat chimed in.
Under Title 28 of the United States Code, the federal law that governs the judicial system, it is possible to assign a retired judge to active duty.
In this capacity, any retired circuit or district judge may be appointed “to perform such judicial functions within the circuit as he or she is willing and able to perform.”
Additionally, any magistrate or judge may “retain the office but retire from regular active service” after reaching retirement age and service requirements – and, “for the remainder of his or her life, continue to receive the salary of the office.” as long as said person meets the requirements established by law.
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Prosecutor McMahon and Judge McMahon for comment.