JACKSON, Mich. – Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas D. Wilson has filed his official response to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission’s misconduct complaint, acknowledging several underlying facts while denying that his actions amounted to ethical violations.
The complaint, filed September 11, accused Wilson of years of inappropriate behavior, including drinking on the job, sexual harassment, interference in his own divorce, and delayed rulings. In his October 22 filing titled “Answer to Complaint and Affirmative Defenses,” Wilson admitted to certain conduct but defended it as misunderstood or taken out of context.
According to the filing, Wilson admitted to consuming alcohol during court hours on some occasions and returning to the courthouse afterward, though he denied being intoxicated or that his work was ever affected. He also acknowledged declining an alcohol assessment in 2019, saying it was never formally required, and confirmed that colleagues had raised concerns about his drinking informally.
Wilson also admitted to making comments to female colleagues and staff, including about a judge’s pregnancy and how big her breasts were but described them as “jokes” or “social remarks” rather than sexual harassment. He further admitted attending social events where alcohol was present but denied behaving inappropriately.
In the area of potential conflicts, Wilson acknowledged having business and property ties with attorneys who appeared in his courtroom, including one who rented office space from him, but said those relationships were properly disclosed and had no influence on any rulings.
He also admitted to delays in issuing rulings and personally entering data into the court’s tracking system, though he denied doing so to conceal backlogs or manipulate records.
Wilson denied being intoxicated while presiding over cases, denied engaging in any form of sexual harassment, and denied trying to influence his own divorce proceedings. He rejected claims that he hid overdue rulings or falsified court information, saying his actions were administrative, not malicious.
His filing also raised several affirmative defenses, including due process concerns and the argument that the Judicial Tenure Commission exceeded its authority.
Wilson remains an active circuit judge while the Commission continues its investigation. A formal hearing date has not yet been set.
Discuss This On Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GfhMQ5UNa/
