On Saturday, May 9, 2026, MLive reported that Jackson County spent over $34,000 on visiting judges due to Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson’s absence following a complaint filed against him by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.

According to invoices obtained through a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, Retired Jackson County Circuit Judge Edward Grant worked 16 full and three half days in December, totaling $7,875. Additionally, Retired East Lansing District Judge Richard D. Ball spent 58 days on the bench from January 5 to April 3, amounting to $26,395.80.

Jackson County Court Administrator Jacob Stressman stated in an email that Wilson had planned to retire and decided to use his accrued paid time off/vacation time before his official retirement date. Stressman explained that a visiting judge was brought in to manage the caseload and maintain efficient court operations.

Wilson, first elected in 2006, retired effective February 27, about five months after the Tenure Commission publicly alleged widespread misconduct. He continued to collect his salary until his retirement. As of 2026, circuit judges are annually paid $186,163.12, an increase from approximately $181,000 in 2025, which amounts to over $15,000 a month. While the state pays permanent judges’ salaries, the county is responsible for the cost of visiting judges.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed former Jackson County District Judge Allison Bates to Wilson’s seat. Subsequently, Bates’ position was filled by former assistant state attorney general and Washtenaw County assistant prosecutor Nicole Hughes, who was named a District Court judge.

The commission’s accusations against Wilson included alcohol abuse, sexual harassment, failure to disclose conflicts of interest, and a deliberate scheme to hide case delays. Wilson responded to the complaint, denying some allegations while admitting to others. He acknowledged failing to report civil case delays to the state but claimed he had his own tracking system and denied any intent to conceal delays.

Wilson conceded to a past drinking problem but denied appearing drunk at the courthouse, suggesting he might have had drinks at home after work. The Michigan Supreme Court will resolve the complaint.

According to the state constitution, the Supreme Court has the authority to appoint visiting judges to perform judicial duties for limited periods or specific assignments. This authority is delegated to the State Court Administrator’s Office, which sets standards for application. Local trial courts request visiting judges through a digital portal, and the administrator’s office approves the request before assigning a judge, according to John Nevin, communications director at the Michigan Supreme Court.

 

 

Source: MLive