PITTSBURGH — Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin illegally used her state-funded staff in her campaigns for a seat on the state’s highest court in a scheme that also involved the judge’s sister, state Sen. Jane Orie who is awaiting sentencing on similar charges, prosecutors said Friday.

Orie Melvin “actively condoned and even promoted” campaign-related activity by state-paid workers while she was a Superior Court judge, according to a grand jury presentment, which described a “tale of corruption” involving her two sisters — Sen. Orie and Janine Orie. Jane Orie was convicted on March 26 of 14 similar criminal counts.

Orie Melvin was in Pittsb urgh this afternoon to surrender to authorities to face nine criminal counts.

The high court relieved Orie Melvin of all judicial and administrative duties on Friday as a result of the charges. The court also ordered Orie Melvin’s Pittsburgh office sealed to secure records, files and equipment that are property of the court.

A letter from Orie Melvin’s attorney to Chief Justice Ronald Castille denies any wrongdoing by the judge.