Inmate mistakenly released for 5 days
ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (AP) — Berrien County officials say an inmate waiting to be sentenced for sexually assaulting a child was mistakenly released due to a paperwork problem.
Undersheriff Charles Heit tells the Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph the 30-year-old inmate from Stevensville was released from jail on July 23. The man was back in custody after a search Monday.
The man pleaded guilty July 17 to second-degree criminal sexual assault. He was ordered held without bond pending sentencing on Aug. 11.
Bailey says the release occurred because of a misunderstanding over two files with different case numbers for the man.
He was free for five days. Sheriff Paul Bailey says the victim’s family called Sunday to report that he was out of jail.
The Associated Press isn’t naming the man to avoid identifying the child.
Judges stop fighting over hiring powers
ALLEGAN, Mich. (AP) — Two judges in western Michigan have agreed to a cease-fire in an unflattering dispute over hiring staff.
Allegan County Judge Kevin Cronin can hire a law clerk and secretary. The only restriction is he can’t hire Chris Anderson, a former court employee.
In February, Cronin asked the Michigan Supreme Court to intervene after Allegan County Chief Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker (Baker) blocked the hiring of Anderson and said a pool of clerks would serve all judges.
The Supreme Court dismissed the case this week after Cronin and Bakker reached an agreement with assistance from a mediator. They've also agreed to talk monthly — in the presence of an out-of-town judge.
Separately, Allegan County is being asked to pay roughly $12,000 in fees charged by Cronin's attorney, Doug Van Essen.
Master Lawyer Section Summer Conference
Master Lawyer Section of the State Bar of Michigan will conduct its 2014 Summer Conference Aug. 8-10, at the Doherty Hotel and Convention Center, 604 N McEwan, Clare, Mich. The program will combine learning and networking opportunities with time to enjoy a beautiful setting, golf, and more. Revitalize your skills, invigorate your practice, and visualize your future. Overnight accommodations: Contact the Doherty Hotel at 800-525-4115 and indicate that you are with the Master Lawyer Section.
Straker Bar Charity Golf Tournament
Enjoy a beautiful day of golf to support the D. Augustus Straker Bar Foundation on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Inn of St. Johns, 44045 5 Mile Rd in Plymouth Township. The day promises to be full of good fun, networking, and prizes. Shotgun start at 11 a.m. and golfers of all levels are welcome. Cost is $135 per golfer (includes 18 holes with golf cart; lunch; and full-course dinner) or $50 for dinner only. For questions and information call Cleveland Jackson at 248-875-3130 or Eddie Gaylor at 313-550-8392 or e-mail info@strakerlaw.org.
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