On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Law Enforcement Today reported that bodycam footage revealed a federal judge, Thomas Ludington, 72, allegedly cursing at police officers following a DUI car crash in Michigan. The incident occurred on October 3, 2025, and has led to Ludington facing charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

According to the report, Ludington was arrested after a trooper witnessed him failing to properly use a blood-alcohol device. The bodycam footage reportedly captured Ludington, while in handcuffs, questioning his arrest. He also asserted to the trooper that he had not been drinking and identified himself as a federal judge.

The events leading up to the arrest involved Ludington crashing his Cadillac near his vacation home. The vehicle sustained significant damage, with airbags deployed. Ludington reportedly struck two road signs. He informed the trooper that he had been driving for three hours from Bay City and was en route to his cottage in Harbor Springs at the time of the accident.

A blood test administered after the crash indicated Ludington had a blood alcohol level of 0.27, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08. During a sobriety test, Ludington was asked to recite the alphabet but responded with an expletive, reciting only “A, B, C, D, F, U…” Police also reported that Ludington failed other sobriety assessments and struggled to follow instructions during the arrest. The arrest report further noted that Ludington “appeared to have urinated himself.”

Ludington, a federal judge in Bay City, Michigan, for approximately 20 years, has remained on the bench since the incident. However, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Ludington would take a voluntary leave of absence during the legal proceedings. He will continue to receive his annual salary of $249,900 during this leave.

The court has addressed the situation, stating, “We value Judge Ludington as a colleague and friend.”

Ludington is scheduled to appear in court on April 6 for a status conference, with a jury trial slated to begin on May 8. If convicted, he could face penalties including up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, 360 hours of community service, and driving restrictions.

The “super drunk” charge carries additional penalties, potentially leading to up to 180 days in jail, a $700 fine, and 360 hours of community service.

The case is currently pending in Emmet County.

 

 

Source: Law Enforcement Today