The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission has filed a formal complaint against 53rd District Court judge Theresa Brennan for numerous allegations of misconduct.
The complaint says Brennan failed to tell people in cases before her that she had personal relationships with people on the other side of the case. One was an attorney who she'd described as her best friend, and the other was a man with whom she had a close personal relationship.
She lied about the relationships in court proceedings when asked, and she lied to the Judicial Tenure Commission as well.
Brennan also used staff to do personal errands like getting Netflix installed on her home television, putting gas in her car, taking it to a repair shop, getting her coffee and muffins, and staining her work desk.
She also had court staff work on her election campaigns.
Brennan declined to be interviewed.
The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission has the authority to recommend disciplinary action to the Michigan Supreme Court, including removal from office.
The commission has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint someone to oversee the proceeding against Brennan, who declined to speak with Michigan Radio.
