Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission says Judge Sylvia James should be removed from the bench

(WXYZ) - The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission issued a 25-page decision recommending that Inkster Judge Sylvia James be removed from the bench and pay a more than $81,000 fine.

The JTC says it is basing today's disciplinary decision on all the evidence it reviewed during special hearing on James.

The JTC says the judge misappropriated funds from a court program, engaged in improper banking and revenue practices, employed her niece in violation of an anti-nepotism policy, employed a magistrate with knowledge that he was unqualified for the position and knowingly made misrepresentations as a judge, and to the JTC.

Judge James has 10 days to file a response with the State Supreme Court. She can accept or reject the JTC recommendation. Her attorney Mayer Morganroth told 7 Action News that she plans to reject the JTC recommendation.

If she rejects it, oral arguments will then be heard before the high court on July 25. The State Supreme Court has final say on James's fate. Her attorney could not be reached for comment.

JTC Decision on Judge James