Livingston County sues Judge Theresa Brennan for $25,000

Kayla Daugherty | Livingston Daily

Show Caption Hide Caption A look at the Brennan investigation, complaint Brennan is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police and is the subject of a formal complaint by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.

Livingston County filed a civil lawsuit against Livingston County District Court Judge Theresa Brennan on Friday.

The county alleges she '"routinely required the employees working under her supervision to perform personal tasks for her benefit for which said employees reported time worked and in fact were being paid by taxpayer funding."

The county is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 "to compensate Plaintiff for the wages that Defendant wrongfully converted for her own use."

Accusations against Judge Brennan

The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission accused Brennan of misconduct in June and added additional charges a few weeks later. Livingston County Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh removed Brennan's caseload on June 13, a day after the initial Michigan Tenure Commission complaint.

The county's lawsuit stated the Brennan "abused her authority to exploit and use the employees that she supervised as free labor to perform a myriad of personal tasks for her personal benefit and enrichment."

More: Judge Theresa Brennan, once poised to lead state judges association, resigns from group

More: Amended complaint against Judge Theresa Brennan includes perjury allegation

The lawsuit further stated that Court employees were told that "if they failed or refused to perform the personal tasks as assigned and directed by Defendant their employment would be in jeopardy."

Brennan is being sued in her individual capacity and not in her capacity as an elected official.

Which judge will hear the case?

The case will be heard in the Livingston County Circuit Court before Judge Michael Hatty.

The Judicial Tenure Commission accused Brennan of failing to disclose personal relationships involving cases before her and lying about the relationships during court proceedings and when questioned by the Judicial Tenure Commission. She also was accused of using staff for personal errands and to work on her election campaigns.

The Judicial Tenure Commission can recommend discipline for judges to the Michigan Supreme Court, including suspension or termination. The proceedings are ongoing.

More:

Brennan likely to be paid for months as misconduct complaint process plays out

Jerome Kowalski's family, supporters ask prosecutor to charge Brennan

Contact Kayla Daugherty at 517-552-2848 or kdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KayDaugherty92.