DETROIT — A judge was temporarily removed from the court docket after he ordered a sleepy teenager to wear jail clothes and be handcuffed during a visit.
Chief Judge of the 36th District Court William McConico said Judge Kenneth King has been removed from his criminal case docket and will undergo “necessary training” related to the incident.
The incident began after a 15-year-old girl fell asleep in King’s court on Tuesday during a visit arranged by a local non-profit organization.
“You fall asleep in my courtroom one more time, I’m gonna put you in back. Understood?” King told the girl during the court session which was recorded on Zoom.
King told WXYZ-TV the girl’s attitude is what led to her being placed in handcuffs and a jail suit.
The girl’s mother called Judge King “a big bully” following the incident. She told The Detroit Free Press her family does not have permanent housing, and the girl was up late the night before she visited the court.
On Thursday, McConico released a statement saying in part:
“The 36th District Court, known as ‘the people’s court,’ remains deeply committed to providing access to justice in an environment free from intimidation or disrespect. The actions of Judge King on August 13th do not reflect this commitment.”
McConico said the office conducted a “swift and thorough internal investigation” after the incident and determined King’s actions on Tuesday did not reflect the court’s standards.
King will remain paid during the training. It is unclear what the training will involve and how long it will last.
More on the courtroom incident and the judge’s removal.
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