Sabrina Johnson named interim chief judge of Inkster's 22nd District Court

INKSTER, Mich. (WXYZ) - Sabrina Johnson, an Inkster native and the number two vote getter in the August primary has been named interim chief judge of that city’s 22 ^nd District Court. The appointment was “ finalized today," according to a spokesperson for Governor Rick Snyder, who made the appointment to fill the vacancy created when longtime Chief Judge Sylvia James was removed by the State Supreme court for misconduct.

It was a 7 Action News investigation that exposed James questionable practices, unexplained absences from the bench, and nepotism in her administration of the court that lead to audits, hearings and finally, the State Supreme Courts decision to remove and fine her more than $80,000 for years of misconduct.

 Gov. Rick Snyder said of Johnson, “Sabrina has an impressive record as an attorney as well as strong ties to the community.” The Governor added, “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber willing to serve on the bench.”

Johnson, of Inkster, has served most of her career (1996-2002; 2008-present) as an assistant Wayne County prosecutor where she has handled more than 100 felony trials and reviewed more than 800 warrants. From 2002 to 2008, she managed her own private law firm, Sabrina Johnson PLLC., where she represented more than 1,000 clients before the 22nd District Court, including handling a number of high profile cases like the litigation over the Rosa Parks estate.

She is a graduate of Inkster Cherry Hill High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University.  Johnson's appointment runs through Jan. 1, 2013. She will have to seek election in November 2012.