Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced that ex-Monroe County Judge Jarod Calkins has pleaded guilty to four felony counts of Misconduct in Office, one for each of his victims, each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Calkins, who resigned from the Monroe County First District Court in June after the Department of Attorney General filed charges, pleaded guilty to four added counts of misconduct in office. Calkins also admitted the facts stated in the affidavit, which was filed by the Department of Attorney General, were true.
While the initial charges were dismissed, the plea allows the four victims in the case to remain anonymous as they requested, while still ensuring justice is served.
Calkins, 41, of Carleton, entered his plea in the Monroe County Circuit Court before Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Archie Brown. Brown was assigned to the case by the State Court Administration after the entire Monroe County bench recused themselves in this matter.
Schuette’s office intends to seek a term of incarceration at sentencing. A sentencing date has been set for November 29, 2018 in Monroe County Circuit Court.
CASE BACKGROUND
Michigan State Police received reports of prostitution-related activities at a hotel in Monroe Township and opened an investigation to determine if the reports were accurate.
Upon investigating, the MSP First District Special Investigation Section uncovered evidence that an individual matching the description of Calkins was allegedly having women meet him at the hotel to engage in sexual activity for money.
