A Michigan judge is under scrutiny following a disciplinary complaint alleging a pattern of misconduct, including excessive alcohol use, sexual harassment of female employees, and conflicts of interest in cases involving himself and his family. Fourth Circuit Judge Thomas D. Wilson, who has served in Jackson County since 2007, is facing an eight-count complaint filed by the state Judicial Tenure Commission.
The commission’s findings indicate that Wilson developed a drinking problem as early as 2013, reportedly ceasing his alcohol use around 2021. Instances of his alleged intoxication include arriving at the courthouse after drinking at home and appearing visibly impaired at judicial meetings, as described in the complaint.
Additionally, the complaint outlines relationships Wilson maintained with attorneys that he failed to disclose during court proceedings. These relationships included those with tenants from properties he owned, investment associates, and legal counsel for personal cases. Some of these arrangements reportedly occurred without payment, which is classified as an ethical violation.
The judge is also accused of improperly intervening in legal cases. Notably, he allegedly advised a defendant to breach a no-contact order to retrieve medication, later calling emergency dispatch to assure them the situation was resolved. Furthermore, he is said to have presented a false order in his own divorce case, claiming he owed no child support despite prior documentation stating a debt of $2,030.
The complaint also details accusations of sexual harassment directed at female colleagues in the judiciary and an effort to conceal delays in decision-making from the State Court Administrative Office.
While the Judicial Tenure Commission can file complaints and suggest disciplinary actions, any final decisions regarding penalties rest with the Michigan Supreme Court. Judge Wilson has been given a two-week period to respond to the allegations.
Wilson’s attorney, Thomas W. Cranmer, has not yet commented on the complaint.
This evolving situation raises concerns about accountability and the ethical standards expected of judicial officials. As these proceedings develop, the focus will be on the implications for both Judge Wilson and the broader judicial community in Michigan.
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