On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed the retired judge Louise Alderson as Master to oversee a formal complaint against 58th District Court Judge Bradley S. Knoll.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Bradley S. Knoll,” with case number 107.
The Judicial Tenure Commission filed an amended complaint on April 30, 2025, accusing Knoll of misconduct related to a domestic violence incident and inappropriate behavior toward law enforcement officers.
The complaint, filed under Article 6, Section 30 of the Michigan Constitution and MCR 9.200, outlines two primary allegations against Knoll. The first count stems from his arrest on December 13, 2023, for misdemeanor domestic violence. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. when Knoll allegedly shouted at an individual, grabbed their face, and tilted it upward. When another person attempted to intervene, Knoll reportedly struck or slapped them on the head or face. He was charged in the 58th District Court under case number GH 23-003712-SM.
On March 26, 2024, Knoll pleaded guilty under MCL 769.4a, admitting during the plea hearing that he was in Ottawa County at the time and struck the victim with an open hand. The court accepted his plea as knowing, voluntary, and willing.
The Judicial Tenure Commission alleges that Knoll’s actions and guilty plea violated multiple judicial and professional standards. These include Canon 2(A) of the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires judges to avoid improper conduct and the appearance of impropriety, and Canon 2(B), which mandates upholding the law and maintaining public confidence in the judiciary. The commission also cites MCR 9.104(5), which prohibits attorneys from engaging in criminal conduct.
The second count addresses Knoll’s conduct toward Grand Haven Public Safety officers during his arrest. After a 911 call, officers arrived at Knoll’s residence, interviewed the victim and a witness, and took Knoll into custody. During a subsequent interview at another location, Knoll allegedly threatened Officer Matthew Padding, stating that an officer would face consequences for false arrest if the case did not lead to prosecution.
The complaint also notes that Knoll directed an expletive at Detective Eric Rasch as he exited the interview room and displayed disrespectful behavior throughout the interaction. The commission claims this violated Canon 2(A) for improper conduct and Canon 2(B) for failing to show courtesy and undermining public trust in the judiciary.
The court ordered the Master to schedule a public hearing promptly, with the hearing process to be completed within 182 days from the date of the order. A motion to seal the proceedings remains under consideration by the Judicial Tenure Commission.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
