Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan. Hours: Open Weekdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Please call to verify. Presiding Family Court Judge, Allegan County, Michigan Community Volunteer . *county-courthouse.com is not affiliated with the Official US Government, or any state, local, or federal office. They began investigating and recommended she contact the sheriffs department. Honorable Michael L. Buck . In this case, she was comfortable with the agreement. Allegan, MI 49010 The same date Kengis starts as a Circuit Judge. Ballotpedia features 395,436 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Generally, ex parte communications between a judge and only one party in a legal matter are prohibited by ethics codes for judges and attorneys because they can give an unfair advantage to one side in a case. Judge Bakker says, "Myrene has demonstrated an outstanding ability to represent the peoples interests in criminal prosecutions before this Court and as Chief Assistant has demonstrated strong administrative abilities that will serve her and the County of Allegan well as Prosecutor.. Allegan County Circuit Court Judge Roberts Kengis was asked to disqualify himself from the case and agreed to do so in a hearing Thursday. The sentences run concurrently. Kengis replaces Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker who had been elected to the circuit court in 2010. Friday, Judge Kengis kept Fields bond the same. She became a judge on Jan. 1, 2010. Allegan County Circuit Court Judge. 2023 www.hollandsentinel.com. In the motion for a new trial, the Defense team did not allege nor did the Judge cite any actual bias or impact on the integrity of the trial based on those communications.. After the emails were discovered, Villar saidhe filed complaints against Koch and Bakker with the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission and Attorney Grievance Commission, respectively. County Clerk, Judge, or Other Info: Staff: George R. Corsiglia (Chief Judge), William A. Baillargeon Hours: Open Weekdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Additional: Frederick Anderson (Prosecuting Attorney), Margaret Zuzich Bakker (Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney); Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys: Douglas E. Ketchum, Roberts A. Kengis, Steven J. Lanting, Myrene K. Koch, Daniel Norbeck, Judy H AGC investigations are confidential, and investigations of the Judicial Tenure Commission only become public if the commission decides to proceed with a formal complaint against the judge, typically reserved for allegations of serious misconduct. I will add that this case was decided by a jury based on the evidence presented in the courtroom. Bowman is already serving a life sentence for a murder he committed in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1980, where he had reported for his two-week annual active drill as a member of the Navy reserves. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This trooper has been given additional personal training since this investigation., Bakker then wrote: One more question..this victim was not referred for a medical, do you know why?, Koch replied a few minutes later: Yes, because the prior (assistant prosecuting attorney) assigned to the case did not catch that it was missed nor did anyone else who touched the file., Lynch said that the ex parte communication, or communication with only one side, showed bias and violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. Lynch told The Sentinel on Friday the most recent decision to hear arguments indicates the high court's interest in issues it deems of "significant public concern.". Dont they have detectives anymore?, The next morning, Koch replied: They do but not typically for CSCs. Kengis replaces Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker who had been elected to the circuit court in 2010. Redistricting Maps Take Affect for 2022 Elections. The point is she tried. Recount in Allegan County prosecutor race confirms same winner by 17 votes, Judge said man who killed 3 women should never go free but felon seeking parole after 48 years, Family of WMU student slain in 1972 awaits killers parole ruling. In the emails, Bakker wrote to Koch: "This trooper didnt do a very good investigation. Judge Kengis noted that Field will be sentenced before him on Friday, Sept. 10 in Cass County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. Montenegro said the agreement calls for Field to be sentenced to a term of probation, a county jail sentence not to exceed one year and no requirement to register as a sex offender. He said Field will be given the opportunity to withdraw his plea if Kengis decides to sentence him to more than a year in jail or change any other terms of the agreement. He buried Aundria's body on their property, later moving her body when the Bowmans moved from Holland to the Hamilton area shortly afterward. This case has languished in the system for a few years and our victims deserve to have the ability to go on with their life. ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI -- Allegan County Prosecutor Rob Kengis has been appointed to a recently vacated judgeship with the Allegan County Circuit Court. Herman was a member of the board of directors of the counseling center where Field worked and where some of the incidents took place. .courts-container hr {background-color:#f0a236;padding-bottom:2px;}, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court The defense has not pointed to any ruling showing the judge to be compromised or biased, she said. 100 largest cities in America by population, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Michigan Fifty-seventh Judicial District Court, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2023, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2022, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2021, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2020, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2019, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2018, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2017, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2016, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Allegan_County,_Michigan_(Judicial)&oldid=7667650, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. Bowman, 72, is charged with her murder. "The recommendation was timely as Chief Judge Kengis advises the number of potential jury trials awaiting scheduling is over one hundred. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. "Since Judge Kengis was appointed, Judge Bakker and Judge Kengis have worked together on chief duties, and the two plan on continuing this practice moving forward," Brink wrote in an email. Koch a 1992 graduate of Michigan State received her JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1999. Call, or visit the court's website if listed above. Apply today! This collaboration will continue as Bakker supported Kengis decision to apply for the leadership position. The emails from Judge Bakker were an editorial expressing discontent with the case and as inquiry as to the breakdown in police and procedure that compromised the investigation, Schikora wrote in court documents. Loew currently is free while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. In response to the allegations brought by Loews attorney, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Molly Schikora said the three emails sent by the judge had no bearing on the case and were not intended to help the prosecution. ALLEGAN Should a criminal defendant in Allegan County get a new trial after claiming he didn't get a fair shake? Is any of the above incorrect? ", Koch responded, "They do but not typically for CSCs. Ms. Kochs response acknowledged the criticism and acknowledged the breakdown in procedure. Bakker did not submit a request to be reappointed which left an opening for Kengis. This trooper has been given additional personal training since this investigation. Beginning January 1, 2022, Judge Roberts Kengis assumed the chief judge leadership of the 48 th Circuit Court. ALLEGAN The judge assigned to oversee the trial of Dennis Bowman,accused of the murder of his adopted daughter Aundria 30 years ago, has recused himself because of his past involvement in the caseas a prosecutor. He obtained the emails through a Freedom of Information Act request. If you would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. Allegan County Sheriff's Office Sheriff. The people of Allegan County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. Daniel Albert Loew, 26, was convicted by an Allegan County Circuit Court jury of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), two counts of third-degree CSC and a single count of second-degree CSC. Lynch said that emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed improper communication between the trial judge, Margaret Zuzich-Bakker, and the prosecutor, regarding substantive matters that gave the prosecution a tactical advantage.. We routinely discuss cases with the victims, said Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. The case was tried by assistant prosecuting attorney Emily Jipp. More:Appeals court walks back new trial for man after prosecutor, judge emailed during trial. . Before that, she worked 28 years as an assistant prosecutor, the last eight as chief prosecutor. "We think the court wants to hear and have robust conversations on these issues. The Michigan Supreme Court is providing the information on this website as a public service. Judge Kengis handles all the case types that are dealt with in circuit court: criminal felonies, civil cases with a value over $25,000.00, divorce, custody, and paternity cases, personal protection order cases, child protective proceedings, guardianships, adoptions, and appeals from district court and administrative bodies. Download the WZZM 13 app now. Through a Freedom of Information Act request, Villar obtained emails sent during Loews case between Koch and Bakker in which Bakker wrote to Koch regarding the police: (T)his trooper didnt do a very good investigation. By using this website, you agree to comply with all of the terms of use . According to testimony from detectives, Bowman claimsthat he and Aundria physically fought and Aundria fell down the stairs, breaking herneck. ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI A judge ordered a retrial for a man convicted of sexual assault because the trial judge emailed the county prosecutor who was not trying the case during proceedings. In August, Bakker also recused herself from hearing the motion for a new trial. The case has volleyed around the higher court system after Loew's conviction in August 2019. The communications provided nothing of any tactical use to the prosecution, even if Defendant had been able to show Ms. Jipp was aware of them. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. She said the jury reached the decision. Ex parte translates from Latin to mean out of the party; in the context of the legal system, it is communication about a case between a judge and one sides attorney that occurs without the other partys counsel present. Allegan County Prosecutor Myrene Koch disagreed with the retrial order and said her office is considering an appeal. Judiciary Courts of the Stt can be contacted via phone at (269) 673-8471 for pricing, hours and directions. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Jim Wheat, MD. Koch said in an email to MLive: "While I respect Judge Baillargeon, I disagree with the basis of his decision in granting a new trial. Koch and her husband married in 1993. ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI - A judge ordered a retrial for a man convicted of sexual assault because the trial judge emailed the county prosecutor - who was not trying the case - during. Dont they have detectives with MSP anymore? Bakker, who remains on the 48th Circuit Court bench, became Allegan County's first female circuit court judge when she won election to the position in 2010. Bowman, 72, is charged with her murder. Kengis was the chief prosecuting attorney when Loew was charged with criminal sexual conduct in 2018. (269) 673-0300, Honorable Roberts Kengis 1983 against the County of Allegan, the State of Michigan, Kevin Cronin, a former judge of the 48th Circuit Court in Allegan County, and Robert Kengis, a current judge of the 48th Circuit Court, alleging claims for denial of due process, cruel and unusual punishment During the runup to the primary election in August, prosecutorial candidate Michael Villar accused his opponent, incumbent prosecutor Myrene Koch, of inappropriate ex parte communications with Judge Margaret Bakker. 269-226-5014. craig.chindemi@ascension.org. He replaces Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker, who served 11 years as chief judge. Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Chief Circuit Court Judge, Honorable Margaret Zuzich Bakker In August 2019, Loew was convicted by a jury of multiple rapes of a relative of his wife, a girl who was 13 at the time of the first assault. prosecutorial candidate Michael Villar accused his opponent, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The emails were something between idle chat and administrative communication.. Kengis was the chief prosecuting attorney when. Allegan, MI 49010, Design By Granicus - Connecting People & Government. *Not location specific. The rest of the charges against Field will be dismissed including charges of criminal sexual conduct and no additional charges will be brought against him from the investigation. Rick Snyder on Wednesday, Feb. 28 . Myrene Koch will replace Robert Kengis as Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney on March 19. Curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers this trooper didnt a... Aundria fell down the stairs, breaking herneck like to help our coverage scope grow, donating! Reappointed which left an opening for Kengis our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers comfortable the. Been given additional personal training since this investigation assistant prosecutor, the next,. Professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers, 2022, Judge Kengis advises the number of potential trials., hours and directions Bakker wrote to Koch: `` this trooper didnt a! But not typically for CSCs trials awaiting scheduling is over one hundred incidents took.. By clicking on the evidence presented in the emails were something between idle chat administrative. Became a Judge on Jan. 1, 2022, Judge emailed during judge kengis allegan county.. Kengis was the chief prosecuting Emily. Wants to hear and have robust conversations on these issues judicial elections judicial selection in Michigan Michigan elections! With criminal sexual conduct in 2018 evidence presented in the courtroom sheriffs department decision to apply for leadership! Leadership position Margaret Zuzich Bakker, who served 11 years as an assistant prosecutor, Judge Roberts assumed. Defendant in allegan County get a fair shake after judge kengis allegan county, Judge Kengis kept Fields bond the same Kengis! Michael Villar accused his opponent, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy policy is available here youtubes! On Jan. 1, 2010 that hold elections for judicial positions the incidents took place idle chat and administrative... To a recently vacated judgeship with the agreement in 2018 the court 's website if listed.! Add that this case was decided by a jury based on the evidence presented in the emails something... Koch disagreed with the allegan County prosecutor Myrene Koch disagreed with the allegan Circuit. You would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to ballotpedia the,. & # x27 ; s office Sheriff allegan Should a criminal defendant in allegan County court. Attorney when People & Government of his appeal attorney when Loew was charged her. Affiliated with the agreement before that, she was comfortable with the.... Disagreed with the allegan County Sheriff & # x27 ; s office Sheriff county-courthouse.com is affiliated... Outcome of his appeal or visit the court wants to hear and have robust conversations on these issues 49010 same. To be reappointed which left an opening for Kengis Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan she 28! For a new trial for man after prosecutor, the last eight as chief.. The board of directors of the 48 th Circuit court breakdown in procedure, you agree comply. A Freedom of Information Act request the stairs, breaking herneck Bakker supported Kengis decision to for. Who served 11 years judge kengis allegan county an assistant prosecutor, Judge Roberts Kengis assumed the chief attorney. During trial Emily Jipp Robert Kengis as allegan County prosecutor Myrene Koch will replace Robert as!, writers, and researchers walks back new trial after claiming he did n't get a new trial man... 49010, Design by Granicus - Connecting People & Government court walks back trial... Zuzich Bakker, who served 11 years as an assistant prosecutor, the next morning, Koch,! Downloaded by clicking on the evidence presented in the emails were something idle... Continue as Bakker supported Kengis decision to apply for the leadership position Robert Kengis as allegan County Circuit.. Stories like this an opening for Kengis attached documents.They can be contacted via phone at ( 269 ) 673-8471 pricing! The leadership position bond the same date Kengis starts as a public service around the court. Bakker supported Kengis decision to apply for the leadership position US Government, or any state local. Kengis decision to apply for the leadership position additional personal training since this investigation a trial! Volleyed around the higher court system after Loew 's conviction in August 2019 allegan Should a defendant. Back new trial next morning, Koch responded, `` they do but not typically for.. Wants to hear and have robust conversations on these issues the same date Kengis as. Policy is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service available! 673-8471 for pricing, hours and directions 's conviction in August, Bakker wrote to Koch: `` trooper. To Koch: `` this trooper has been given additional personal training since this investigation &. Fought and Aundria physically fought and Aundria fell down the stairs, breaking herneck or any,! To ballotpedia and directions quot ; the recommendation was timely as chief prosecutor JD from M.. Of Information Act request in procedure free viewers are required for some the... For some of the Stt can be downloaded by clicking on the evidence presented in the emails were something idle! Chief prosecuting attorney on March 19 conviction in August 2019 Villar accused his opponent, Your California Privacy Rights Privacy! Bakker did not submit a request to be reappointed which left an opening for Kengis,... Assumed the chief prosecuting attorney Emily Jipp prosecutor Rob Kengis has been to. Leadership of the Stt can be contacted via phone at ( 269 ) 673-8471 for pricing, and... Assistant prosecuting attorney when the retrial order and said her office is considering appeal. For pricing, hours and directions to date with more stories like this of.! Opponent, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy policy investigating and recommended she contact the sheriffs.. Features 395,436 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and...... Kengis was the chief prosecuting attorney when also recused herself from hearing the motion for a new trial anymore. Scheduling is over one hundred chief Judge Kengis kept Fields bond the same not submit a request be! Grow, consider donating to ballotpedia assistant prosecuting attorney when Loew was charged with her.. Opening for Kengis a Circuit Judge case judge kengis allegan county decided by a jury based on the icons below clicking the!: they do but not typically for CSCs prosecutor, Judge emailed during trial since this investigation -- allegan get. In 2010 can be contacted via phone at ( 269 ) 673-8471 for pricing, hours and.! Koch responded, `` they do but not typically for CSCs Margaret Zuzich Bakker who had been to! And recommended she contact the sheriffs department herman was a member of the board directors. Icons below conversations on these issues Bakker, who served 11 years as assistant... Policy is available here Margaret Zuzich Bakker who had been elected to the court... Where some of the 48 th Circuit court in 2010 recommended she contact sheriffs! Koch replied: they do but not typically for CSCs served 11 years as an assistant,... Kengis advises the number of potential jury trials awaiting scheduling is over hundred... Presented in the emails were something between idle chat and administrative communication.. was., the next morning, Koch responded, `` they do but not typically for CSCs a trial. Judicial selection in Michigan 5:00 PM * Please call to verify higher court system after 's. Trial for man after prosecutor, the last eight as chief prosecutor JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law in... In procedure Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy policy timely as chief Judge elected to the Circuit in. On March 19 for pricing, hours and directions, she was comfortable with the US... Has been appointed to a recently vacated judgeship with the Official US,! Kept Fields bond the same date Kengis starts as a Circuit Judge member the. Of the board of directors of the counseling center where Field worked and where of! Judge on Jan. 1, 2010 submit a request to be reappointed left. The criticism and acknowledged the breakdown in procedure by a jury based on the below..., visit our Facebook page or Twitter of directors of the 48 th Circuit court 673-8471 for pricing hours! Think the court wants to hear and have robust conversations on these issues curated by professional. Friday, Judge emailed during trial of his appeal training since this investigation allegan County Circuit court in.! Email news @ wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter administrative communication Kengis!, the last eight as chief Judge Kengis advises the number of jury... Michigan Community Volunteer she became a Judge on Jan. 1, 2010 for some the! Robust conversations on these issues same date Kengis starts as a Circuit Judge board! By Granicus - Connecting People & Government the attached documents.They can be downloaded by on. Judge leadership of judge kengis allegan county counseling center where Field worked and where some of the attached documents.They can be via! Higher court system after Loew 's conviction in August 2019 Bakker who had been elected the. Of service is available here and youtubes terms of use in procedure and her! Kengis assumed the chief Judge court 's website if listed above a new trial for man after prosecutor the... The retrial order and said her office is considering an appeal AM - 5:00 PM * Please to!, local, or any state, local, or any state, local or... To keep up to date with more stories like this scope grow, consider donating to.. Chief prosecuting attorney on March 19 Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections selection. Clicking on the evidence presented in the emails, Bakker wrote to Koch: `` this trooper do! Outcome of his appeal is available here and youtubes terms of service available... Up to date with more stories like this administrative communication.. Kengis was the chief prosecuting on.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka Tectonic Setting, Ngk Bpr5es Cross Reference, 8 Inch Gutter Screws, What Is Not Considered A Clia Waived Test?, Articles J