Pennsylvania Lawyer Accused of Sexual Exploitation of Clients

Williamsport, Pa. – Timothy Reitz, a 50-year-old lawyer from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, is facing allegations of using his position to engage in sexual relationships with clients during vulnerable times. The accusations, filed with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, involve two separate cases involving custody disputes.

Details of the Allegations

According to court filings, Reitz allegedly exchanged sexually explicit text messages with one client, ultimately leading to a physical relationship. In a separate case, Reitz allegedly demanded a sex tape from a client involving her ex-partner, and then admitted to watching it and masturbating to it.

First Client’s Account

Adrianne Stahl, who issued the first complaint, stated that Reitz engaged in a sexual relationship with a client he represented in three dependency matters concerning her children. Stahl emphasized that the client was particularly vulnerable due to being a victim of domestic abuse, a fact Reitz was aware of. The relationship reportedly began in March 2024, with meetings occurring at various locations around Lycoming County, including the client’s friend’s home. On one occasion, a friend reportedly walked in on Reitz and the client during a sexual encounter. Following this incident, Reitz allegedly sent an apologetic text message, to which the client responded with a topless photograph. Reitz then allegedly texted, “Now I’m going to wreck.”

Second Client’s Account

Reitz allegedly learned of a sex tape involving the second client and her ex-partner, who is similarly the child’s father. He allegedly requested the tape despite its irrelevance to the case. After viewing the tape, Reitz allegedly told the client he had masturbated to it. The client subsequently reported Reitz to her attorney and requested his removal from the case. Reitz filed a motion to withdraw as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in November 2023.

Role as Guardian Ad Litem

In the second case, Reitz served as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), a role where he was responsible for investigating the child’s living conditions, reviewing medical and school records, and making recommendations to the court regarding custody and visitation rights. Prosecutors allege Reitz exploited this position of power, grooming the client through increasingly sexual text messages. It was noted that the client understood Reitz’s recommendation to the court could significantly impact her custody case.

Legal Proceedings and Background

A hearing with the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is scheduled for June 9th. Reitz practices law at Carpenter, Harris & Flayhart in Jersey Shore. He previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for a magistrate judge position in Lycoming County in 2023. He is married with three children and is involved in coaching youth wrestling.

Reitz verified in a document filed with the Disciplinary Board that the statements made in his Answer to Petition for Discipline are true and correct to the best of his knowledge.

Sources: NorthcentralPa.com, Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board