The Judicial Tenure Commission (JTC) complaint we’ve been tracking for months is finally in motion.
On July 21, 2025, the JTC officially acknowledged receipt of Requests for Investigation Nos. 2025-26548 & 2025-26549, confirming that the matter has been assigned to Commission staff for review. This letter marks a critical step forward in a long and determined push for accountability.
The acknowledgment letter, signed by Executive Director Lynn Helland, assures that the allegations are now under active consideration. The Commission will determine whether the complaints fall within its jurisdiction and whether the reported facts suggest a violation of judicial ethics or misconduct rules. If so, the matter may advance to a full investigation.
This complaint in particular was thorough, supported by court transcripts, FOIA records, and community testimonies, exposing a pattern of misconduct that has harmed lives, eroded public trust, and destabilized due process in Michigan’s rural courtrooms.
“All communication regarding these Requests for Investigation must be directed to the Commission staff… You will receive written notice of the Commission’s decision promptly after it is made.”
That means this isn’t over. It’s just beginning.
This development follows clutch’s extensive coverage of systemic misconduct within Michigan’s judiciary, including:
- Judges bypassing prosecutorial oversight to issue arrest warrants,
- Judges continuing criminal prosecutions after appeals were won,
- Allegations of favoritism, corruption, and improper coordination between law enforcement and the bench.
We will continue tracking every development. If the Commission proceeds with a full investigation, it could expose not only the two judges, but an entire culture of judicial impunity that Michigan has allowed to fester behind closed doors.
What Happens Next?
- The JTC will conduct a preliminary review to decide whether to launch a full investigation.
- If additional information is needed, the staff will reach out to the complainant.
- A decision, whether to proceed, dismiss, or escalate, will be made in writing.
We’ll publish updates as soon as decisions are made public.
Want to Help?
- Submit tips, transcripts, or patterns of concern to Clutch Justice’s Judicial Misconduct Database
- Support our investigative journalism by partnering with us or sharing this article
- Consider filing your own judicial complaint if you’ve witnessed misconduct. I’ve got a guide coming soon.
