The Michigan Supreme Court removed embattled Livingston County District Judge Theresa Brennan from office.
In a unanimous vote on Friday, June 28, 2019, the court sided with the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, which had recommended her removal from office for a variety of ethics violations, including having an affair with the lead investigator in a murder trial over which she was presiding. The JTC found that Brennan committed at least seven instances of misconduct that merited removal; earlier this year, the JTC also recommended Brennan pay approximately $36,000 in costs and expenses for making misleading statements to the commission.
Earlier this week, Genesee County District Court Judge David Guinn bound Brennan over for trial on charges of perjury, tampering with evidence, and misconduct in office, which could her in prison if she’s found guilty.
It’s been nearly two years since the Michigan State Police raided Brennan’s house and courtroom in the search for evidence related to her affair with Michigan State Police Det. Sean Furlong, who was the lead witness in a murder case over which Brennan was presiding.
Though she was removed from hearing cases last summer, the Supreme Court suspended her with full pay in February. Brennan is also facing criminal charges for perjury and destroying evidence; a hearing on the criminal charges against her is scheduled for Aug. 25.
Brennan is currently free on $30,000 bond.
