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Metro Detroit judge accused of fleeing scene of accident back at work

Posted at 5:48 PM, Oct 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-18 17:48:42-04

A metro Detroit judge is back on the bench after being on medical leave.

While on leave Honorable Judge Catherine Steenland was accused of fleeing the scene of an accident. 

James Nielsen says he and his 9-year-old daughter were heading north on Gratiot near Masonic Boulevard in October when a woman allegedly hit them in the turnaround lane and didn’t stop.

Michigan State Police are investigating the accident. 

Steeland was in court Wednesday setting bond for 36-year-old Nicole Drain, a mother accused of the same thing. 

Roseville police say Drain hit a crossing guard and fled the scene. She’s accused of being under the influence. 

According to Steenland this would be Drain’s third offense of operating while intoxicated. She was charged in 2012 and 2014 in Detroit.

Steenland has also been found driving under the influence in 2001. She was suspended  from the bench for three months. 

Drain’s bond was set at $50,000.

Steenland declined to comment about her own investigation.