Kenneth A. Lenker

Professional career

• In February 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit against Judge Lenker, citing judicial immunity under federal law
• Judge Lenker was born and raised in Swatara Township and completed studies at Central Dauphin East High School in 1972
• Associate of Arts degree in Police Administration from Harrisburg Area Community College

Education

Additional information

• He was re‐elected without opposition in the November 3, 2009 general election and later in 2015
• Sworn in on December 18, 2009.
• He ran successfully in the May 19, 2009 primary elections on both the Republican and Democratic ballots, was appointed by the State Senate, and commissioned by the Governor.
• He was certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Minor Judiciary Education Board in 2009
• Before his judicial role, Lenker had a 28‐year career as a Steelton Police Officer, serving as Chief of Police from 1998 until his retirement in April 2009.
• He also served in the U.S. Air Force (1974–1978) as a Security Police Explosives Detector Dog Handler, earning the rank of Sergeant
• Joined fill the seat vacated by Judge Steven M. Semic’s retirement.
• Magisterial District Judge 12‐2‐02 for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, serving communities including Swatara Township, Highspire Borough, and Steelton Borough
• His prior assignments included the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, Crisis Response Team, and as a Narcotics Detector Dog Handler for the U.S. Customs Service.
• As a Magisterial District Judge, Lenker handles traffic violations, minor criminal matters, landlord‐tenant disputes, civil cases up to $12,000, and initial jurisdiction over criminal cases.