On Monday, August 19, 2024, the Detroit Free Press reported that a Macomb County Circuit Court judge is considering whether he should remove himself from presiding over a lawsuit filed by County Prosecutor Peter Lucido against the county’s ethics board and top attorney.
Judge James Maceroni is weighing a motion by Lucido’s lawyer, Todd Perkins, requesting that Maceroni disqualify himself from the case due to a $100 campaign contribution made last November to Christina Hines – the Democratic candidate running against Lucido for county prosecutor in this year’s election. Perkins argued the contribution, which was made months before Lucido filed his lawsuit in June, could give the appearance of potential bias or impropriety.
However, county attorney John Schapka maintained that simply having donated to an opposing political candidate is not in itself grounds for claiming bias. He said Lucido would need to demonstrate more tangible evidence of prejudice against him.
During a hearing, Maceroni said he was undecided on whether the reasons for disqualification outlined by Perkins were sufficient. He noted other past cases involving elected officials within the county had proceeded in his court without issues.
Lucido’s lawsuit centers on ethics complaints lodged against him earlier this year by Mark Brewer, former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. One complaint was dismissed, while another was referred for a public hearing. Lucido disputes the allegations against him.
If Maceroni rejects the disqualification motion, Perkins requested the issue be sent to the chief circuit court judge to decide instead.
Source: Detroit Free Press
