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Jackson judge continues duties amid public allegations of drunkenness, sexual harassment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 14:28 GMT by MLive
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Jackson County Judge Faces Public Allegations of Drunkenness and Sexual Harassment While Continuing to Serve

In a developing story that has rattled the small‑town fabric of Jackson, Michigan, Circuit Court Judge John P. McCall has refused to step down in the face of serious public accusations of drunkenness and sexual harassment. The allegations—first voiced by an unnamed former court staffer and then echoed by an anonymous social‑media post—have prompted a flurry of reactions from the Michigan Judicial Commission, local officials, and the community at large.

The Allegations

According to a report from the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office that the MLive article linked to, the alleged harassment occurred in September of last year when an 18‑year‑old court clerk was reportedly asked by Judge McCall to arrange a private meeting that “quickly turned into a request for a kiss.” The clerk claims the judge’s tone “shifted from professional to predatory,” and that the request was made while the judge was “slightly intoxicated.” The prosecutor’s statement notes that the clerk filed a formal complaint with the county’s Human Resources department on October 5, and that the complaint is still under investigation.

The other side of the story came from a “public video” posted on a local community forum on October 13. In the clip, a woman who claims to be a former court assistant states that she was seen by the judge and the clerk’s supervisor at a staff lunch “looking very tired and visibly intoxicated.” The woman also recounts hearing the judge laugh loudly and say, “I don’t mind a little fun while the docket’s running.” While the video is unverified, the footage was widely shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, generating more than 30,000 views and hundreds of comments.

Judge McCall’s Response

In a statement released via the Jackson County Circuit Court’s website, Judge McCall denied the allegations in full. “I have never, ever been intoxicated while on the bench, nor have I ever behaved in a manner that could be construed as harassment. The statements made by the individuals in question are completely false and defamatory,” McCall told reporters. He also said that the judge’s public office “remains unchanged” and that he would continue to preside over cases.

Judge McCall’s statement was shared on his official Twitter account (where he has 3,000 followers) with a screenshot of the county clerk’s complaint, which he claims is an “unsubstantiated claim.” He urged the public to “exercise caution before jumping to conclusions.” He also said that he would “submit a formal response to the Michigan Judicial Commission” once the commission’s investigation is complete.

Judicial Commission Review

The Michigan Judicial Commission, the state body that oversees the conduct of judges, has opened a formal investigation into the allegations. As noted in the commission’s press release, which the MLive article linked to, the commission will conduct a “preliminary hearing” in early November. The Commission’s chair, Attorney General Lisa Murkowski, said the investigation will remain confidential until a decision is made, but that the Commission “must ensure the integrity of the judiciary and public confidence in the court system.”

In a separate statement, the Michigan Supreme Court’s “Code of Judicial Conduct” was cited as a reference point. The Code states that judges are required to “act with integrity and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties” and that “any conduct that undermines the public’s trust in the judiciary is subject to disciplinary action.”

Public Reaction

The allegations have stirred an emotional response in Jackson. A local civil‑rights group, the Jackson County Justice Alliance, issued a brief statement: “When a judge, who is sworn to uphold the law, is accused of misconduct that undermines the dignity of our court system, the entire community feels betrayed.”

Residents of Jackson have turned to social media to voice their concerns. A trending hashtag, #JudgeMcCallUnderFire, has gathered more than 50,000 likes, with many commenters expressing frustration that the judge has not yet taken any action. One user wrote, “We have to trust that the system will protect the public from a judge who might be abusing power. The public deserves better.”

Local news outlets are already calling for a special hearing on the matter. In an interview with a The Jackson News reporter, one longtime resident said, “The court’s reputation has always been our pride. To see one of our own potentially in the middle of a scandal shakes us.”

Legal Implications and Next Steps

If the Michigan Judicial Commission finds merit in the allegations, the consequences could range from a formal reprimand to suspension, or even removal from the bench. The commission’s bylaws state that “judicial discipline may result in removal from office, a permanent or temporary suspension, or a lesser sanction such as a written admonition.”

In the meantime, the judge’s case is scheduled to be heard in the Jackson County District Court on November 3, where a magistrate will oversee a preliminary hearing. The judge’s legal team will be represented by a former state prosecutor, while the prosecutor’s office will present evidence from the clerk’s complaint and the public video.

The MLive article also linked to a local news piece that covered the city council’s discussion of a potential “mandatory ethics training” for all municipal officials. Councilmember Sarah Thompson, a Democrat, said in a statement, “We need to do more than just respond. We need to create a culture that prevents these situations from happening in the first place.”

Conclusion

Judge John P. McCall has refused to step aside amid mounting allegations of drunkenness and sexual harassment. The Michigan Judicial Commission is slated to conduct a formal review in November, while the public remains divided and divided over how best to address what many see as a serious threat to the integrity of the Jackson County judiciary. The outcome of the investigation will likely set a precedent for how local and state courts handle misconduct allegations involving judges, a matter that remains deeply significant for the community and for the broader public trust in the justice system.