By Brandon Hall
Officers with the Grand Haven Department Of Public Safety arrived at the home of 58th District Court Judge Brad Knoll on the City's West side a little after 7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 13th following an urgent 911 call reporting an attack.
After an on-scene investigation, officers made the decision to arrest Judge Knoll, who leads the 58th District as Chief Judge, for assaulting his wife. West Michigan Politics broke the story the evening of December 18th.
Sources tell West Michigan Politics that because of safety concerns regarding sending Knoll to Ottawa County's Fillmore Complex---the same jail he has sent thousands of defendants to over his 20 year career---as well as the fact all Ottawa County Judges, and Ottawa County Prosecutor Lee Fisher recused themselves from handling the case, Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker contacted Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young.
Sheriff LaJoye-Young agreed to lodge Knoll in Kent County for the evening. Knoll was then transported by Grand Haven Officers to the Kent County Jail in downtown Grand Rapids for booking---including fingerprints, and a mugshot.
After spending the night by himself in a holding cell for his own protection, Knoll was released on a PR bond the morning of December 14th. Kent County Jail officials have confirmed to WMP that Knoll was booked and incarcerated at the facility.
Conditions of his release include no alcohol or drugs, he can't possess a gun or a "dangerous weapon," and he is not to have any contact with his wife.
His arraignment is scheduled for January 9 in the Grand Haven branch of Ottawa County 58th District Court.
Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson is leading the State Of Michigan's case against Knoll. Hilson was selected for the assignment by Attorney General Dana Nessel, who made the decision under MCL 49.160 because Ottawa County Prosecutor Lee Fisher recused himself. Muskegon District Court Judge Geoffrey Nolan will be presiding.
Judge Knoll was not suspended as initially thought, and he told The Holland Sentinel he will continue to hear cases---except for alleged incidents of domestic violence.
It's unclear if the Michigan Supreme Court will intervene, and suspend Knoll while his criminal case is ongoing.
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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