But the committee's convoluted voting rules require a proposal to have support from members appointed by Cuomo, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and legislative leaders in order to pass. The Global Legal News You Need, When You Need It. Middleton indicated that the unique situation, made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a first in his career. The judge ultimately agreed to put Keokuk on a payment plan of $100 per month for the insurance violation. save. So new charges have been filed against him. float: right; background-color: grey; The state Legislature's 213 members received their first pay raise since 1999 at the start of this year, bumping their pay up from $79,500 to $110,000. It was a sharp-eyed prosecutor, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Davis, who first noticed that something appeared off. A happy end to an era," commented one Reddit user. The charge against him was then called an alleged violation of a city ordinance, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine in the court. Different courts have taken different approaches, but in many places, mundane proceedings have never been so widely accessible and primed for sharing, and that has created a trade-off between transparency and privacy. "Unfortunately, challenging fiscal times require thoughtful approaches to multi-year commitments when spending scarce tax dollars," the three members wrote. The entire hearing was streamed on the judges courtroom YouTube channel. I want my fundraiser to be able to raise awareness on what a victim goes through, the reasons they stay, Lindsey wrote on Facebook. Were serious as a heart attack, the judge said. Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation, uncertain how Cuomo and lawmakers will close the budget hole, Legislature's 213 members received their first pay raise, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I dont know why I. However, Michigan Supreme Court's communication's director, John Nevin, clarified to Newsweek that this was not their intention: "The State Court Administrator has urged Judge Middleton to reconsider his decision. Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, Zoom court hearing ends with defendant in handcuffs, Mans Zoom court hearing ends with handcuffs after hes found attending from victims home. A Zoom hearing for her domestic violence case went viral. Posted by 2 years ago. The presiding judge has prim Judge Jeffrey Middleton announced in a live-stream on May 17 that the live-streamed court hearings were to come to a swift end, as he claims was suggested by the Michigan Supreme Court. Coby Harris back in court! Your Honor, Davis said. Now people are blaming her, she says. The pay rate was set by a separate, temporary pay committee, which Cuomo and lawmakers created in 2018 after the existing commission rejected a legislative pay increase the year before. 10,000 inoculations The Washington Post could not reach 21-year-old Coby Harris, who is charged with assaulting Lindsey with the intent to commit great bodily harm less than the crime of murder. His lawyer did not respond to multiple calls and emails requesting comment, and online court records do not show a plea yet for the assault charge. Its the first time I ever had anybody sitting in the next room, potentially intimidating a witness, the judge said later. Both Harris and Lindsey were attending a livestream court hearing March 2, along with attorneys and Judge Jeffrey Middleton. "It's the first time I ever had anybody sitting in the next room, potentially intimidating a witness," Middleton said. Its just so much more complicated than that., A virtual court hearing in Michigan was postponed after the defendant was found at the same home as the alleged victim while the hearing took place on March 2. In 2011, lawmakers created the seven-memberpay commission and tasked it with periodically setting judges' pay in New York. Aaron Judge signed a 9 year / $360,000,000 contract with the New York Yankees, including $360,000,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $40,000,000. Jeffrey C. Middleton is an attorney serving Centreville, MI. border:1px solid #FFB81F; The federal judiciary is getting more diverse. .contact_office { margin-top: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} The attorney finished by asking for some sort of jail time for the individual. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Live-streams of court proceedings have been critically important to maintaining public access to the judiciary while court buildings have been closed to protect public health. share. Also consider other hobbies. font-weight: bold; We've received your submission. [1] Judges Jeffrey C. Middleton (Chief Judge) Robert K. Pattison Paul Stutesman See also St. Joseph County, Michigan Courts in Michigan Judicial selection in Michigan External links Michigan Courts, "St. Joseph County" 2023 www.democratandchronicle.com. : Enjoy. Judge Jeffrey Middleton, prosecutor Deborah Davis. } .clearfix { Lindsey said she put her daughter in the care of family after a nasty fight in December. Andrew Cuomo andlawmakers wrestle with a $6 billion state budget gap for the fiscal year beginning in April. font-weight: bold; Your honor, we both dont want the no-contact order, said Harris, with a cigarette dangling out of his mouth. In a statement, three committee members Robert Megna, Peter Madonia and Seymour Lachman said they couldn't support increasing judicial salaries while it's still uncertain how Cuomo and lawmakers will close the budget hole. As a writer on the internet, I admire the clicks the pair has generated. "No one asked them 'What do you think about being broadcasted on YouTube and having '1.5 million hits,' so that's the downside of this," explained Judge Middleton. So, your honor, for 40 years of service to the community, I cant thank you enough.. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. background-color: grey; It failed to get support from the legislative leaders' appointees: Peter Madonia, appointed by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx; and Seymour Lachman, appointed by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers. [] Makes me think you havent gotten the message. The cover photo, she said, is a picture of her 4-year-old daughter, who had started asking why her mom was crying all the time. color: white;
.contact_entity {font-size: 1.5em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} Coby James Harris, 21, of Sturgis, faces an assault charge stemming from a Feb. 9 argument with his girlfriend, Mary Lindsey. We want to know your views on law firm policies and culture. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The balance of rights under the law absolutely does not require this, she said. When the coronavirus pandemic shuttered courthouses, officials scrambled to keep their proceedings open to the public, turning to live streams and Zoom calls uploaded to YouTube. A minute went by before the victim's Zoom box returned to the screen with Harris speaking to the judge as police appear to be handcuffing him inside the woman's apartment. In a courtroom video posted to YouTube Tuesday, St. Joseph District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton presided over a Zoom conference that included eight people with matters before the court.. background-color: #f9f9f9; } Harris was arrested after officers found him attending the hearing at the home of his alleged assault victim, from whom he had been ordered to stay away. The video even has her home address they made me say it twice.. Heres how Lexis Search Advantage | Transactional unites internal and external research to create better deals faster. The entire hearing was streamed on the judge's courtroom YouTube channel. I dont even think this phone has the charge for that, Harris said. Advertisement Key Data background-color: white; } A proposal would have frozen judges' salaries in 2020 before granting them cost-of-living increases in 2021, 2022 and 2023. That's why the Supreme Court intends for this increased transparency to continue.". Thestate budget isdue March 31. J: "And 30 days in county jail!" The crowd erupts into cheering, people high-fiving each . He appeared in court, from the inside of car in the drivers seat and yes, he still had a suspended license. Absent that, judges won't get a raise until 2024 at the earliest. She was acutely aware, she said later in an interview, of Harris sitting out of sight but not out of mind, in her daughters bedroom. Then well bring this fool in, Middleton said, as the offensive name popped up before the mans face appeared. Ballotpedia does not currently cover this office or maintain this page. This is the first time to my knowledge, if he is in the same venue, that this has occurred.. Top billing went to district court judge Jeff Middleton, who has been with the county 40 years. width: 57%; Support me on Patreon for exclusive weekly videoshttps://www.patreon.com/vanbalionchannelSubscribe to my main channelVan the Manhttps://youtube.com/channel/U. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, a March 2 hearing on the case, in front of St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton, was virtual, via Zoom and YouTube. margin: auto; vertical-align: top; The judge acknowledged that Harris' defense attorney clearly had no idea his client was violating a court order and he thanked Sturgis police for getting to the woman's apartment so fast. Middleton chalked up the episode to another oddity of life in a pandemic. But her voice started to break again when she turned to all these people who have no clue. Centreville is the county seat for St. Joseph County and about 30 miles south of Kalamazoo and 150. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Middleton ran for re-election to the 3B District Court. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. An eagle-eyed Michigan prosecutor, a quick-thinking judge and fast-moving police caught a man violating a restraining order in a dramatic confrontation that unfolded during a virtual court hearing. Um, Im at a house, she responded. Does An In Depth Analysis Predicting SCOTUS Decisions Help You Wind Down? Mans Zoom court hearing ends with handcuffs after hes found attending from victims home Court officials, attorneys and defendant Coby Harris, bottom right, watch during a March 2, 2021, court hearing as Harris' alleged assault victim, bottom left, answers her door for police. Your bond is canceled. If this was a real court hearing in a real courtroom, there would be two people in the courtroom. width: 150px; I didnt want him to be mad at me and then I also didnt want to lie like he told me to, she said. Strangers have been messaging her and friend-requesting her on Facebook, she said, sharing similar stories. A visibly upset Davis facepalmed as she realized her hunch had been correct. Perhaps youve heard of the latest Zoom court debacle. St. Joseph County District Judge Jeffrey Middleton ordered the defendant to walk outside and show him the number on the home from which he was Zooming. Michigan's 3B District Court has announced the end of the daily court live-streams which previously sent them viral. This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: County employees honored for service. Saxon was eventually brought back into the meeting where he explained to the judge that his sister set up his account, the name camefrom a bluetooth speaker and, "it's an inside joke. width: 43%; } Prosecutor John Barnes said Saxton was found with a used syringe that tested positive for meth residue. STURGIS, Mich. A Michigan court defendant finds himself in even more trouble after he got caught attending a Zoom hearing from his alleged victims home last week. But now the Michigan Supreme Court has said they should be brought back for judicial transparency. As video of the hearing exploded online and reporters called, Middleton said he asked people to leave out Lindseys name and blur her face. background-color: green; When asked his location, Harris told the judge he was at a home on East Lafayette Street. Fast, informative and written just for locals. Speaking to The Washington Post, she declined to go into details of that night, saying only that Harris left her with bruises. Davis told Middleton she believed Harris and Lindsey were in the same location. ", People think its clear cut," she said. Knitting, perhaps? With Harris and Lindsey tuning in from separate cameras, St. Joseph County prosecutor Deborah Davis asked Lindsey to state her address in Sturgis, Mich., a city of about 10,000 near the Indiana border. General: He was unopposed in the general election on November 3, 2020.Cite error: Invalid tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. .widget-key { Good morning, sir, whats your name? the judge asked. The name mishap was the second time the court's live-stream had gone viral, after a March hearing showed an assault suspect in the same room as the victim and witness, which is explicitly not allowed. All rights reserved. The hearing included appearances by Harris and the victim, presumably from separate locations. The zoom call then captured police arresting the suspect during the hearing. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, a March 2 hearing on the case, in front of St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton, was virtual, via Zoom and YouTube. word-wrap: break-word; At some point before he went off screen, the defendant's name tag changed to his actual name. Many people commenting online are supportive. Youve always looked out for the best interest of the county, its a thankless job and I appreciate the fact that youre here, Middleton said. Lindsey grew reluctant, however, as Davis asked what happened at Lindseys apartment the night of Feb. 9. The assistant prosecutor, Deborah Davis, also had more details about the incident involving the defendant: [Davis] revealed that in addition to driving while suspended, the car he was driving, a 2000 Ford Taurus, was hauling four adults, three children and one child, an infant, wasnt secured. In addition, the prosecutors probably also going to charge you with obstruction of justice.. Take the cigarette out of your mouth," Middleton said. At that moment, Davis told the court that police officers were knocking on the door of Lindseys apartment. [1] On November 4, 2014, Middleton was re-elected unopposed for another six-year term commencing on January 1, 2015, and expiring on December 31, 2020. Middleton immediately asked Harris and the woman where they were appearing from and both gave different addresses. Elections in 2023 | Harris, who was arrested for violating his bond, appeared to deny attacking Lindsey during the February incident. Harris, who was charged as a habitual offender, faces an enhanced sentence of up to 15 years in prison. .widget-row.value-only.black { The hearing was streamed live online and posted to Judge Jeffrey Middleton's court YouTube channel.. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Radical NY senators get a well-deserved slapdown from acting top judge, Jussie Smollett appeals conviction for hate crime hoax, argues bias, AG aims gun at experts head to dismiss Murdaugh defense theory, Alec Baldwin not allowed to drink alcohol, own gun after not guilty plea in Rust shooting. The man apologized and said "that should not be. background-color: red; He. 3B District Court went viral just last week, May 11, after a defendant entered the live-streamed court hearing under the name "Buttf*****3000." (Video: Judge Jeffrey Middleton/YouTube). But he also thinks that Lindseys privacy was violated, in a case that is not confidential but that in pre-pandemic times would never have been broadcast to the world. That's when Davis interrupted the defense lawyer and told the court: Your honor, I have reason to believe that the defendant is in the same apartment as the complaining witness right now and Im extremely scared for her safety.". Unfortunately, that isnt what has been happening, said Johanna Kononen, an attorney with the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Twenty-five years of public service, hes our sheriff and its an honor and a pleasure to be able to give this to you, Allen said, presenting Lillywhite a name-engraved clock. Though he initially pleaded not guilty but later changed it when the judge said the normal fine for the count is $200. As of April 1, 2019, state Supreme Court justices were paid the same amount as U.S. District Court judges $210,900 while county court judges earn 95% of that and city court judges outside New York city earn 90%. ", "I'm embarrassed," he told the judge. Your name is not Buttfker 300, you yo-ho, logging into my court with that as your screen name, the judge snapped.
You a Fan? U.S. President | .top_disclaimer { I knew the cops were outside. Allen worked at the sheriffs department when Lillywhite was hired in 1995. In the year since it started, the 3B District Court broadcasts had amassed a regular large following, which has been clear to see in the response following their cancellation. Lindsey has started an online fundraiser that she says will help her move out of the area and get good therapy. color: white; Lindsey said she had never told Harris she called authorities Feb. 9. Then came the court hearing. Though they werent present Tuesday, judicial secretary Lori Rumsey and now-retired friend of the court William Thistlethwaite were next with 30 years of service. And, yeah, Judge Middleton was NOT pleased: "Your name's . 3 comments. } Middleton, who has gained attention as a visual curiosity after not having his hair cut in more than 18 months, quickly expressed his gratitude to the five-member county commission. This Tool Can Help. Marks called on Cuomo and state lawmakers to pass a law requiring the pay commission to revisit the decision next year. What's in a name? You know nothing happened, she said he told her. When Buttfker 3000 realized Middleton was addressing him, he identified himself as Nathaniel Saxton. width: 250px; youtube 362 120 120 comments Best Add a Comment AutoModerator 2 yr. ago Hello, u/thebigremark! } from the Wayne State University School of Law. I knew the cops were outside. }, Jeffrey C. Middleton is a district court judge for the 3B District Court in Michigan. background-color: #f9d334; It featured those whose notable anniversaries were in 2020 as well as this year. However, Judge Middleton explained that doing so made another reason to end the streams, as it takes "15 steps" to remove it, making it "cumbersome.". At Least Your Colleague Spat Wasnt This Bad: Some things we just dont share with the class. "Umm why? We will never sell or share your information without your consent. Please, 100 largest cities in America by population, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Jeffrey_C._Middleton&oldid=8845465, Pages using DynamicPageList dplreplace parser function, Pages using DynamicPageList parser function, Successful Michigan judicial candidates, 2014, Michigan district court judges, 3B District, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. display: inline-block; Hes making more money from Hogwarts: Legacy than her anyway. "I'm at 2 percent right now.". This story has been shared 119,476 times. I'm sorry," he explained. Saxton reappeared a few minutes later and said his sister had set up his Zoom account, adding that the unfortunate name was an inside joke.Im embarrassed. Jeffrey C. Middleton is a district court judge for the 3B District Court in Michigan. Zoom hearing ends with arrest Deborah Davis, assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Joseph County, Mich., reacts as defendant Coby Harris is arrested during a March 2, 2021, court hearing held via Zoom. Middleton demanded to know the address, which she gave him. When The Founder Of SCOTUSblog Calles It Quits, You Know Something Is UP: 5 is a tough crowd, 6 is a waste of time. He initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted to having a syringe and other paraphernalia when Middleton noted that the normal fine for the offense is $200 which he ended up having to pay.. font-size: .9em; St. Joseph County District Judge Jeffrey Middleton ordered the defendant to walk outside and show him the number on the home from which he was Zooming. padding-left: 10px; But as a repeat offender, Harris is looking at up to 15 years behind bars. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; .courts-container { background-color:#fcfcfc; width:100%; border:1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align:center;clear:both; } Harris was arrested after officers found him attending the Zoom hearing at the home of the woman, from whom he had been ordered to stay away. The dimwitted defendant said he did not believe he typed anything like that and apologized before the judge briefly kicked him out of the Zoom feed. "This is an issue we didn't have when we had live court.". The defendant had a story about why it wasnt a blatant violation: The man told the judge he was sitting in his boss vehicle and that he didnt drive there. 2023 Cox Media Group. Apply today! color: white; He said the board always makes decisions that support the countys courts system. Judge Jeffrey Middleton called out the defendant for his unpaid fines, and yeah, he noted the whole appearing-in-court-from-the-drivers-seat-while-having-a-suspended-license thing: The one Im struggling with is the driving suspended. Harris was out on bond at the time, and one of the bond conditions was that he was to have no contact with Lindsey. Middleton fined him $200, according to the records. More than seven minutes into the hearing, as Harris' attorney objected to a question by prosecutor Deborah Davis, the woman appeared to look off camera to her right. Telephone: 269-279-7488 Fax: 269-279-6007 General email: info@threeriversnews.com: info@threeriversnews.com St. Joseph District Judge Jeffrey Middleton, a rising YouTube star, posted courtroom video Tuesday of the mans anal gaffe, Law and Crime reported. Get The 7 DMV newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. Find contact information, experience, peer reviews, directions, and more at Martindale.com. Your Honor, I have reason to believe that the defendant is in the same apartment as the complaining witness right now, and Im extremely scared for her safety and the fact that shes looking off to the side and hes moving around, Davis said. Judge Jeffrey Middleton was hearing a preliminary examination in the case of Coby James Harris, 21, who was accused of assault with intent to commit bodily harm. As ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court at the time, YouTube live-streams began as a way to remain transparent during Zoom hearings, as public court hearings allow people to watch. Some groups are pushing for less exposure at a time when many domestic violence victims are facing new dangers during the pandemic cooped up at home, less likely to get help or be seen, more dependent than ever on partners. Also consider other hobbies. Lets review: there was the lawyer caught shoveling food in his face while on camera, another responding to a judge with sneaky bitch, the classichaving sex on camera during a hearing, or the disturbing sharing your racist views with the world when you thought you were no longer recording, and its been a lot. . Recipients were Equalization Department appraiser Jan Hart, finance department accounting clerk Virginia Trattles, corrections sergeant James Hasbrouck, and corrections officers Thomas Harington and Jeremy Tyler. The hearing was rescheduled for March 16. color: white; } As she questioned Lindsey about what took place during the February argument, Lindseys eyes kept darting to her left, away from the camera. background-color: #f9f9f9; ", "Good morning, sir. At the time, New York judges had seen their pay frozen for the prior 12 years. Zoom court hearing ends with defendant in handcuffs (NCD). Judges at the Supreme Court level the statetrial-level court were being paid $136,700. Your bond is canceled. color: white; Use a descriptive title, See also: Michigan judicial elections, 2014 } We may need to adjourn this, your honor, Davis said. Her answers to the prosecutors questions were also evasive. See our privacy policy. How to vote | Stuck Drafting A Tough Brief? State legislature | The hearing is adjourned. 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She said he acted like Feb. 9 was nothing and wanted her to say the same. font-weight: bold; Middleton asked: "It's not Buttf-----3000 logging into my court with that as your screen name? To some, the derailed, viral hearing was the story of a hero prosecutor and an only-during-a-pandemic problem: a Zoom proceeding cut short as it became clear that a defendant was tuning in from the apartment of his alleged victim.