Mayor removed over decades-old felony conviction

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A judge has ordered a Pennsylvania mayor’s removal from office over a decades-old felony conviction.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced the judge’s ruling Wednesday against 54-year-old Morton Democratic Mayor Bruce Blunt.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Blunt was convicted of assault and resisting arrest in 1988 after he punched officers who were called to break up a bar fight.

He was sentenced to five to 23 months in prison.

Blunt was elected to mayor in January 2018, beating incumbent Maureen Pisselli.

District Attorney Katayoun Copeland filed for Blunt’s removal in February 2018.

Blunt has not responded to requests for comment.

Morton Borough Manager Robert Poole says he was unaware of Blunt’s removal, and declined to say who would serve as interim mayor.