On Jan. 1, the Michigan Supreme Court announced Judge Roberts Kengis would replace Bakker in supervising the 48th Circuit Court. They claim that Loew did not receive a fair trial. non-substantive) matters.". Allegan, MI 49010 She has been recognized for her volunteer work with South Haven Public Schools and the Allegan County Coordinating Council on Domestic and Sexual Violence. He said Field will be given the opportunity to withdraw his plea if Kengis decides to sentence him to more than a year in jail or change any other terms of the agreement. The plea agreement was announced Friday afternoon in a court hearing before Judge Roberts Kengis. In a hearing Thursday, Judge Roberts Kengis alerted the. The emails were made public by Villar during the 2020 Republican primary for the Allegan prosecutor post. Community Volunteer . The chief judges will remain in place until the MI Supreme Court reviews applications and makes the next round of appointments in two years. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed that decision in a split 2-1 opinion in January this year. http://www.allegancounty.org/Government/CC/Index.asp?pt=, The Public Access to Court Records (PACER), 36th Judicial Circuit Court Van Buren County. Message to the Board of Commissioners, Prosecutor Koch, Judge Kengis, Judge Bakker, Sheriff Baker and the people who witness unconstitutional and corrupt actions in Allegan County and do nothing.. Penny Brown . Myrene Koch will replace Robert Kengis as Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney on March 19. The status of those grievances is unknown, as the merits of Loew's appeal are still pending. Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan. Dont they have detectives with MSP anymore?. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the high court announced it would hear arguments in the case, but limited the scope to the ramifications of discovered communications where the presiding judge overseeing Loew's initial trial was sharing her opinion of the case through emails with the head prosecutor. The victim was 13 at the time of the first reported assault. In the same order appointing Kengis, the Court also reappointed Judge Michael Buck to chief probate court judge for Allegan County and Judge Joseph Skocelas to chief judge of the 57th District Court. She became a judge on Jan. 1, 2010. Field has been free on $50,000 cash or surety bond since July 2018 after being held on a higher bond for several months after his arrest in September 2017. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. The case has volleyed around the higher court system after Loew's conviction in August 2019. Daniel Albert Loew, 26, was convicted by an Allegan County Circuit Court jury of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), two counts of third-degree CSC and a single count of second-degree CSC. Circuit Court Judge, Honorable Michael Buck She said the counseling took place there and the sexual relations at Fields home next door to the center. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. Bakker was Allegan Countys first female circuit court judge. During the runup to the primary election in August, prosecutorial candidate Michael Villar accused his opponent, incumbent prosecutor Myrene Koch, of inappropriate ex parte communications with Judge Margaret Bakker. The emails were something between idle chat and administrative communication.. Dont they have detectives anymore?, The next morning, Koch replied: They do but not typically for CSCs. His case was bound over for a jury trial in Allegan County's 48th Circuit Court last month. Copyright 2023, Wilcox Newspapers. By using this website, you agree to comply with all of the terms of use . Kengis was the chief prosecuting attorney when Loew was charged with criminal sexual conduct in 2018. . I will add that this case was decided by a jury based on the evidence presented in the courtroom. More:Hamilton man pleads guilty to 1980 murder of Virginia woman, More:Wife: Hamilton man killed their daughter in 1989, dismembered and buried body. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER . Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at cmuyskens@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens. Bakker, who remains on the bench, served in the role for 11. The jury found the Defendant guilty based on that evidence. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Loews attorneys are alleging prosecutorial misconduct occurred based on the emails, which they say they learned of in June. Circuit Judge Roberts Kengis recused himself because he was the county prosecutor when charges were filed against Loew. The sentences run concurrently. Neither side objected in court to Kengis'decision to recuse himself. 269-226-5014. craig.chindemi@ascension.org. As the presiding officer of the court, a chief judge shall: (a) call and preside over meetings of the court; (b) appoint committees of the court; (c) initiate policies concerning the courts internal operations and its position on external matters affecting the court; (d) meet regularly with all chief judges.. This case has languished in the system for a few years and our victims deserve to have the ability to go on with their life. According to testimony from detectives, Bowman claimsthat he and Aundria physically fought and Aundria fell down the stairs, breaking herneck. Villar, a private practice attorney, later lost the electionby a handful of votes. Judge Kengis relied on the testimony from the 2018 preliminary hearing in the case for his findings of fact in accepting Fields plea. My office is contemplating an appeal. ", Bakker wrote back, "One more question this victim was not referred for a medical, do you know why?". Lynch responded: Thats not the point. Lynch said that emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed improper communication between the trial judge, Margaret Zuzich-Bakker, and the prosecutor, regarding substantive matters that gave the prosecution a tactical advantage.. The victim was a student of Fields at SMC and also went to him for counseling at the Family Center in Dowagiac. Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. Bakker also asked why the victim in the case had not been given a medical exam. "Since Judge Kengis was appointed, Judge Bakker and Judge Kengis have worked together on chief duties, and the two plan on continuing this practice moving forward," Brink wrote in an email. I did not discuss those communications with the Assistant Prosecutor trying the case. The emails between Koch and Judge Margaret Bakker showed the two discussing the case while Loew's trial was occurring in Bakker's courtroom. The case likely will be heard in 2023. .courts-container hr {background-color:#f0a236;padding-bottom:2px;}, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court Allegan County Prosecutor Myrene Koch disagreed with the retrial order and said her office is considering an appeal. Betty Kortman . a murder he committed in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1980, Hamilton man pleads guilty to 1980 murder of Virginia woman, Wife: Hamilton man killed their daughter in 1989, dismembered and buried body, Receive 3 months of all-access to The Sentinel's award-winning digital coverage for $1, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The chief judge holds "administrative superintending power and control over the judges of the court and all court personnel, including the friend of the court," according to Michigan Court Rule, managing staffing, caseload, court finances, making county clerk and prosecutor's office appointments and managing assignment and reassignment of cases. Bowman is already serving a life sentence for a murder he committed in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1980, where he had reported for his two-week annual active drill as a member of the Navy reserves. Friday, Judge Kengis kept Fields bond the same. While Koch said she did not talk to her assistant prosecutor about the judges remarks, Lynch said in court filings that APA Jipp had ample time to adjust her trial strategy and presentation of evidence to address concerns the judge voiced with remarkable candor., He said the trial transcript indicates that APA Jipp indeed addressed the issues raised by Judge Bakker.. After serving as the elected prosecuting attorney for the county, Kengis appointment to the circuit court occurred in March of 2018 by then Governor Rick Snyder when Judge Kevin Cronin resigned. ALLEGAN - Allegan County Commission chairman James Storey points out the Allegan circuit should have a third judge position. Judge Kengis used previous testimony and evidence to show that Field committed perjury when he testified that he had not had sex with the victim, that he had held himself out as a licensed health practitioner when he wasnt, presented a false insurance claim for services rendered to another person, possessed marijuana in his home in 2017 and attempted to commit indecent exposure against the victim. Appeals from the Western District go to the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. Jennifer Garcia. 13 READS: Muskegon book store asking for help to stay open, continue to promote literacy, 13 On Your Side Forecast: Fog Thursday; Snowstorm Friday. The same date Kengis starts as a Circuit Judge. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Field was arrested in the fall of 2017. They began investigating and recommended she contact the sheriffs department. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Michigan Circuit Court All Rights Reserved. Community Volunteer . While he was a prosecutorinthe Allegan County Prosecutor's Office, he participated in discussions about the unsolved disappearance of Aundria Bowman with the Allegan County Sheriff's Office and a cold-case panel of other prosecutors and detectives in Lansing. In a process run by a county clerk, the candidates choose slips of paper from a box that say either "elected" or "not elected".[2]. Honorable Michael L. Buck . Judges Jon Van Allsburg, Mark Feyen and Bradley Knoll were reappointed to two-year terms as chief judges of Ottawa County's 20th Circuit Court, Probate Court and 58th District Court, respectively. All rights reserved (About Us). The Allegan County decisions included the new appointment of the Honorable Roberts A. Kengis as chief justice of the 48 th Circuit Court, and the chief judge reappointment of the Honorable Michael L. Buck to the Allegan County Probate Court and the Honorable Joseph S. Skocelas to the 57 th District Court. They have four children. Let us know here, 57th District Court Allegan County113 Chestnut Street0.0 mile away, Allegan County Probate Court2243 33rd Street2.2 miles away, 36th Judicial Circuit Court Van Buren CountyCourthouse - Second Floor, 212 East Paw Paw Street12.6 miles away, 2023 Everything-Bytes | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. The communications provided nothing of any tactical use to the prosecution, even if Defendant had been able to show Ms. Jipp was aware of them. Contact her at sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com or follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach. Although Koch didn't directly prosecute the case for the county, she was the supervisor of the assistant prosecutor who did. Get unlimited access to our local coverage, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Roberts Kengis Circuit Court Judge at Allegan County Government Plainwell, Michigan, United States 781 followers 500+ connections Join to connect Allegan County Government Wayne State. Judiciary Courts of the Stt is located at 113 Chestnut St in Allegan, Michigan 49010. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. The point is she tried. Bakker did not submit a request to be reappointed which left an opening for Kengis. Services The Circuit Court Family Division provides the following services: Delinquency Proceedings Casework services -- Community Probation and Juvenile Diversion Protective Proceedings Guardianship of minors who are already under Family Court jurisdiction Allegan County Friend of the Court et al 1:2021cv00195 | US District Court for the Western District of Michigan | Justia Collet v. Allegan County Friend of the Court et al RSS Track this Docket Docket Report This docket was last retrieved on March 3, 2021. Additional: Frederick Anderson (Prosecuting Attorney), Margaret Zuzich Bakker (Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney); Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys: Douglas E. Ketchum, Roberts A. Kengis, Steven J. Lanting, Myrene K. Koch, Daniel Norbeck, Judy H. Visit our Links Page for websites providing Employment Listings, as well as US Government holiday closings. Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at cmuyskens@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens. Koch was named to the position by Chief Circuit Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker, on Tuesday. Gov. Bowman, 72, is charged with her murder. Under the plea agreement announced by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Montenegro and defense attorney James Miller, Field will plead no contest to three counts of attempted aggravated indecent exposure, one count of perjury, one count of unauthorized practice of a health profession, one count of health care fraud and one count of possession of marijuana. COURTS _____ Pursuant to MCR 7.201, IT IS ORDERED that the Honorable Elizabeth L. Gleicher is appointed as chief judge of the Court of Appealsfor the two year period - commencing . ", Koch responded, "They do but not typically for CSCs. Bakker did not apply for reappointment in this appointment cycle, circuit court administrator Jennifer Brink said, and supported Kengis's application for chief judge in a letter to the Michigan Supreme Court. The case was tried by assistant prosecuting attorney Emily Jipp. If there are more than twice the number of candidates than there are judgeships up for election, the race will appear on the primary election ballot. 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010 Allegan County Court System Type: Civil, General Civil - Unlimited, General Civil - Limited, Small Claims, Complex Commercial, Foreclosures and Liens, Real Estate Title and Boundary, Criminal, Mental Health Division: Contact Information: Phone Number: 269-673-0400 Fax: 269-673-0490 County Clerk, Judge, or Other Info: Staff: George R. Corsiglia (Chief Judge), William A. Baillargeon Hours: Open Weekdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Additional: Frederick Anderson (Prosecuting Attorney), Margaret Zuzich Bakker (Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney); Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys: Douglas E. Ketchum, Roberts A. Kengis, Steven J. Lanting, Myrene K. Koch, Daniel Norbeck, Judy H He buried Aundria's body on their property, later moving her body when the Bowmans moved from Holland to the Hamilton area shortly afterward. Ms. Kochs response acknowledged the criticism and acknowledged the breakdown in procedure. Judge Bakker says, "Myrene has demonstrated an outstanding ability to represent the peoples interests in criminal prosecutions before this Court and as Chief Assistant has demonstrated strong administrative abilities that will serve her and the County of Allegan well as Prosecutor.. ALLEGAN Judge Roberts Kengis took over supervision of the 48th Circuit Court on Jan. 1 as chief judge after he was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to replace Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker in the role. If you would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. We routinely discuss cases with the victims, said Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. Justices Christopher Murray and Jane Markey were in the majority, saying the emails didnt provide an advantage to the prosecution. Dissenting Justice Michael Riordan said reasonable minds could conclude that Bakker was biased in favor of the prosecution. Dont they have detectives with MSP anymore? Aundria Bowman's body was discovered buried on the Bowmanproperty in Hamilton in February 2020, after Dennis Bowman confessed the location of her body to his wife. Judge Kengis noted that Field will be sentenced before him on Friday, Sept. 10 in Cass County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. Ascension Borgess Allegan Foundation Director . Bowman says he hid Aundria's body in a barn on the property and called police to report that she had run away. This collaboration will continue as Bakker supported Kengis decision to apply for the leadership position. Before taking the bench, Kengis served as the elected prosecuting attorney for Allegan County. Plaintiff Jonathan King Meyer filed a pro se complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. The emails from Judge Bakker were an editorial expressing discontent with the case and as inquiry as to the breakdown in police and procedure that compromised the investigation, Schikora wrote in court documents. Bakker, who remains on the bench, served in the role for 11 years. Jury trials routinely require two to three days to decide amidst other . The Michigan Supreme Court is providing the information on this website as a public service. The investigation of Field began earlier that summer after the victim told college officials about Fields actions against her. Redistricting Maps Take Affect for 2022 Elections. Contact Info (269) 673-8471 Questions & Answers Q What is the phone number for Judiciary Courts of the Stt? Which left an opening for Kengis public service nonpartisan primary, the public Access to our local,... 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