On Saturday, August 13, 2022, WNEM reported that Joseph Farah, a judge for the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County, Michigan, has been relieved from his in-person docket amid sexual harassment allegations.
The Genesee County 7th Circuit Court said that they received a complaint from Grace Ketzner, who worked as an intern under Farah at Michigan State University, in September 2021. Ketzner is alleging that Judge Farah subjected her to months of sexual harassment. The court launched an investigation, and in November 2021, the State Court Administrative Office received the findings.
On August 11, Judge Farah submitted his resignation to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and advised Elizabeth Kelly, Acting Chief Judge of the 7th Circuit Court, that he has tendered his resignation.
According to WNEM:
“On Friday, the court announced Farah has been relieved of his in-person docket and will work remotely until his November retirement. The decision was made after consulting with the State Court Administrative Office.”
WNEM also reported that Ketzner also filed a complaint with the Judicial Tenure Commission. The Commission said it has no information to share regarding Farah and it’s exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.
On August, 12, Ketzner issued the following statement:
“I believe the change we witnessed today is a direct result of allowing the public to peek behind the curtain that Farah was being protected by. This is exactly why the reporting process and JTC investigations should involve transparency. I am proud to have played a part in informing the public of his behaviors and real reasons for resignation.”
The Judge’s Courtroom is at 900 S. Saginaw Street in Flint, and can be reached at 810.257.3270.
Source: WNEM
Full story here.
