WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Former St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough pled guilty Monday to a charge of operating while intoxicated.
Appearing before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton, McDonough owned up to his offense stemming from a traffic stop in late October on West Michigan Avenue and Railroad Drive in Three Rivers.
As a result of Monday’s court session, McDonough’s license is revoked. In addition, he requested and was granted admission to the county’s Sobriety Court program. Also, McDonough will serve a 48-hour jail term.
Court officials said other requirements as a result of McDonough’s guilty plea include regular testing at the Day Reporting Center, community service, attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and payment of court fees.
McDonough’s October arrest marked his second alcohol-related driving offense in four years.
How many “slips” did they let slide, recently and in the past?
St Joe County lives up to its reputation for allowing judges and other officials break ethics and laws without real consequences.
This is so uncool. Everybody who has ever had a DUI in St. Joseph County in the last 20 years should have their dui conviction’s/fines the same as our prosecutors and police officers. Yes we all make mistakes but we should all get treated the same…
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office dropped the State’s charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and having open intoxicants inside a motor vehicle were dropped due to McDonough’s 2020 drunk driving plea. He broke 2 bond conditions before his first trial. In exchange for pleading guilty to one, they dropped the 2nd. His 1st trial sentence when he pleaded guilty is virtually the same as now. His alcoholism and driving continued as he mentored TR HS alcoholics, sat on the TR school board and ran for his old job back. Michigan claims they have tough drunk driving laws? A weekend in jail? Mr. McDonough has had 4 years of county programs without success. He needs a locked-in residential stay away from booze to detox and with intensive therapy to have a chance at sobriety. Or just hand him the keys to the liquor cabinet and his car.
We should all show Mr. McDonough compassion and forgiveness. But Annie is right. I grew up in an alcoholic home. It took more than one residential stay and multiple therapists before AA became a reasonable option.