LEHIGH COUNTY – Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen today announced her candidacy for judge of the
Court of Common Pleas in Lehigh County. With over 24 years of broad-based experience as an
attorney and prosecutor in Lehigh and Northampton counties, Mulqueen pledged to continue her work
protecting local families and the Constitutional rights of all citizens as judge.
“As a full-time Assistant District Attorney for the last 20 years, I have worked hard to provide victims
of crime and their families with a strong voice to ensure they receive the justice they deserve,”
Mulqueen said. “That’s why I will be a tough, but fair judge who follows the law to protect Lehigh
County residents while ensuring everyone who comes before me will be heard and treated with dignity
and respect.”
An experienced and accomplished attorney for over 25 years, Mulqueen has worked in and out of the
courtroom – and before scores of juries – in areas of the law that will be heard by our next judge. Her
experience also includes appearances before both the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Pennsylvania
Supreme Court. During her tenure, she’s become known for maintaining the highest legal and ethical
standards.
“I am a tough prosecutor, but I am also mindful of the solemn responsibility I have to ensure that the
accused receive a fair trial,” Mulqueen said. “But I have also helped people charged with a crime by
truly listening and ensuring those in need receive help for drug addiction or mental health issues.”
Mulqueen met her husband, Matthew, while attending the College of St. Francis de Sales (now
DeSales University). As Matthew started his career in the Army, the couple moved to Ft. Gordon in
Augusta, Georgia where they were married. Despite the constant moving because of Matthew’s
military assignments, Mulqueen was determined to finish her bachelor’s degree and gain acceptance
into law school.
“As I only had two years of college when we were married, it was my goal to earn my bachelor’s
degree despite the constant moves, which meant attending schools in Georgia, South Korea, New York
and ultimately, in Honolulu, Hawaii where I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science,” Mulqueen said.
Mulqueen went on to graduate and earn her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1998, and
she was admitted to practice law that year in Arizona. She worked for the Cochise County Public
Defender’s office for over two years where her duties included an emphasis on juvenile appeals.
Following Matthew’s active-duty military career, the couple moved back to the Lehigh Valley with
their three children in 2004. Mulqueen was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania that year and was
hired as a Lehigh County Assistant District by District Attorney Jim Martin. During her tenure, she
successfully prosecuted homicide, domestic violence, aggravated assault, and robbery cases.
Mulqueen worked for 16 years as a Northampton County Assistant District Attorney where she spent
most of her career there as Chief of the Violent Crime Unit. She also served as Chief of the Drug Unit,
where she earned a reputation as a tough, but fair prosecutor. She currently serves as Chief of
Prosecutions for the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.
Mulqueen has successfully prosecuted murderers, kidnappers, drug dealers and other dangerous
criminals. She prosecuted the first drug delivery resulting in death case in Northampton County. Her
top priority is to always ensure justice for the victims and their families during these difficult cases.
“People who know me know I am passionate about seeking justice,” said Mulqueen. “I have stood in
front of juries and stared down murderers, drug dealers and other violent criminals as a prosecutor. I
have spent my legal career tirelessly fighting for what is right and protecting the Constitutional rights
of all citizens. This is the kind of experience I will bring to the bench.”
No one fights harder to protect the interests of victims and families. “I work side-by-side with our
police to put criminals behind bars, and I’ve spent time with the victims of crime assisting them and
supporting them as they work to rebuild their lives,” Mulqueen said. “I am committed to always
protecting local families and keeping our communities safe. I believe this is exactly the type of
experience Lehigh County needs now more than ever.”
As the youngest of ten children, family is especially important to Mulqueen. Her parents, Lino and
Engracia Fuentes (née Rivera) were born and raised in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. They, along with her
two oldest sisters, moved to Pennsylvania where her father worked as a dishwasher, caretaker and cook
to provide for their growing family. Eventually, he became a chef and worked full-time until he retired
in his 80s. Patricia’s work ethic comes from her parents, who worked hard to provide her and her
siblings with great education and wonderful opportunities.
She is committed to education and has taught or lectured on aspects of criminal procedure and
Constitutional Law at DeSales University, University of Maryland University College, and Maastricht
University in the Netherlands.
Mulqueen and her husband live in South Whitehall Township. They have three adult children, Andrew,
Alexander, and Julia and two grandchildren. She is an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Church
in Orefield, and she has served as Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Catholic Charities and
participated in mission trips to Haiti to assist the Missionaries of the Poor. She currently serves on the
Board of Directors for Haven House.
Mulqueen is a Republican who will cross-file for both the Republican and Democrat nominations for
this non-partisan position. The primary election is scheduled for May of 2025.