Elvis in the Courtroom: Missouri Judge Agrees to Suspension and Exit from the Bench

10:50 PM, 11/21/2025

Judge Matthew Thornhill agreed to a settlement that will shorten his time on the bench after repeatedly wearing an Elvis wig in court and playing the singer's music during proceedings. The deal calls for a six-month unpaid suspension, 18 months back on the bench, and then resignation, pending Missouri Supreme Court approval. The disciplinary commission also cited Thornhill for political remarks from the bench and for writing a character letter in an adoption case—actions he acknowledged were mistakes.

Judge Matthew Thornhill of St. Charles County, Missouri, has agreed to a disciplinary settlement that will shorten his judicial career after repeatedly wearing an Elvis Presley wig in court and playing Elvis songs during proceedings. Under the agreement, Thornhill will serve a six-month unpaid suspension, return to the bench for 18 months, then resign; the deal awaits final approval by the Missouri Supreme Court.

The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline described numerous instances of conduct it found improper. Court files include photos of Thornhill wearing a plastic Elvis wig and sunglasses while seated on the bench or posing with staff. The commission said he routinely wore the wig around Halloween, sometimes played Elvis music from his phone while entering the courtroom, and offered witnesses alternative swearing options—one of which involved playing Elvis songs.

Officials also said Thornhill occasionally referenced Elvis lyrics or mentioned the singer's birth or death dates in court even when such remarks were irrelevant to the proceedings. The commission concluded those references undermined rules that require judges to maintain "order and decorum" and to "promote confidence in the integrity of the judiciary."

In addition to the Elvis-related conduct, Thornhill was cited for making political remarks from the bench and for offering a character letter in an adoption case, which the commission deemed an abuse of his office. Court documents describe him referencing his campaign signs, joking about people living in "Thornhill for Judge Country," and noting his political affiliation or favored candidates during court business. Thornhill acknowledged those comments were improper and said they did not affect his decisions.

Thornhill told investigators he intended "to add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants," but he said he now recognizes that such conduct "could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings." The settlement he accepted avoids a full disciplinary hearing; the Missouri Supreme Court has agreed to accept 35 letters submitted in support of his character as it considers final approval of the agreement.

Online court records do not indicate who filed the original complaint. Thornhill's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.