On Thursday, July 24, 2025, TV6 reported that the Alger County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking to remove Circuit Court Judge Brian Rahilly from overseeing criminal cases in Alger County. This action follows a formal request filed by the office, known as a Writ of Superintending Control, citing concerns over apparent impropriety and bias against law enforcement and attorneys, in violation of the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct.
The push for Judge Rahilly’s removal is not isolated, as similar motions have been submitted by the Mackinac County Prosecutor’s Office for the same judge in that jurisdiction.
Alger County Prosecutor Robert Steinhoff indicated that the decision was prompted by text messages and images allegedly sent by Judge Rahilly to a suspect under investigation in Mackinac County. These communications reportedly suggest that Judge Rahilly improperly influenced the outcomes of criminal cases in Alger County while displaying a negative attitude towards law enforcement and the legal process.
Prosecutor Steinhoff expressed his alarm upon reviewing these messages, which he described as indicative of irresponsible conduct and a disregard for the integrity of the judicial system. In the texts, Judge Rahilly allegedly referred to the Mackinac County prosecutor in derogatory terms, calling him a “waste of space” and “a moron.” Such remarks raise serious questions about the judge’s impartiality and commitment to upholding the law.
In the filed documents, the Mackinac County Prosecutor’s Office stated, “Judge Brian Rahilly’s messages and acts blatantly demonstrate actual bias, prejudice, and impropriety.” They argued that his behavior undermines the presumption of judicial impartiality that is fundamental to the legal system.
Following the emergence of these allegations, Prosecutor Steinhoff revealed that Judge Rahilly had been placed on voluntary leave. Nevertheless, he affirmed that this development would not alter the county’s intentions regarding the judge’s future in criminal cases. Steinhoff emphasized his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the justice system, ensuring that victims’ rights and public confidence in the legal process are upheld.
The issues surrounding Judge Rahilly have led to the cancellation of last week’s Circuit Court dockets in both Mackinac and Alger Counties. The motions to disqualify Judge Rahilly and the Writ of Superintending Control are pending court hearings, the dates of which have yet to be determined.
Prosecutor Steinhoff indicated that the county will also be reviewing prior cases overseen by Judge Rahilly as part of the ongoing investigation.
Source: TV6
