Charges against McDonough announced

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a media release Tuesday, in which she announced formal charges against St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney John McDonough.

Nessel said the 40-year-old McDonough has been charged with drunken driving and open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.

McDonough has waived arraignment. The charges follow a complaint and warrant brought by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Nessel said operating under the influence is a 93-day misdemeanor charge, while the open intoxicant charge is a 90-day misdemeanor.

The charges stem from a May 11 incident in Lockport Township. Authorities said McDonough allegedly crossed the centerline, veered off the roadway and crashed into a fence. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and conducted the investigation.

A written waiver of arraignment was filed June 17 with 3B District Court. Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent Westra has been appointed by the State Court Administrator to preside over the proceedings.

A pre-trial hearing for McDonough, who is represented by Kalamazoo attorney Michael Hills, has been scheduled for July 24.

McDonough was elected prosecutor in 2008.