Disciplinary proceedings involving Centre County officials have ­recently cast light on alleged ex parte communication between prosecutors and judges. Some of the cases cited have already been through the appellate courts, and the newest revelations may bring about more appeals as defense attorneys question the fairness of the county's criminal proceedings in recent years.

Most recently, Judge Jonathan Grine received a public letter of counsel last week from the Judicial Conduct Board, regarding his relationship with Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller.

According to the letter, Grine was involved in a “support relationship” with Parks Miller in 2014, in which they exchanged text messages and phone calls about personal issues related to Grine's marriage and divorce. Throughout this relationship, the letter said, Parks Miller and attorneys from her office had matters before Grine, but none of them acknowledged the existence of the friendship.