The magisterial district judge for Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock townships was arraigned Thursday on charges including lying about his address in order to serve in office.

John R. Caffese was arraigned on criminal charges including unsworn falsification to authorities, false swearing, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and obstructing administration of law.

The affidavit said charges stem from Caffese misrepresenting his residency in order to appear to reside within the magisterial district of Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships, Monroe County for appointment as a Magisterial District Judge.

State law requires appointees to live within the district one year before appointment. Court papers say Caffese took steps to make it appear as if he resided within the District, when in fact he actually resided in Stroudsburg.

Caffese was appointed MDJ for Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships on July 8.

After receiving a number of complaints the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office opened a four-month investigation which led to the filing of these charges.

Investigation revealed that between April 20 and June 13, Caffese submitted a number of documents falsely attesting to his residency in Pocono Summit (Tobyhanna Township).

Based on those representations Caffese was appointed a magisterial district judge on July 8. Over the next four months Caffese collected wages totaling $20,036.18 knowing that he was not eligible to hold the position.

Caffese was arraigned before district judge Kristina Anzini on Thursday.

Caffese waived his preliminary hearing and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Caffese’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 25.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Rakaczewski will be prosecuting this case.