ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday that St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney John Lawrence McDonough has been charged with drunken driving and having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.
The charges stem from an incident last month where McDonough was allegedly involved in a single-vehicle crash on Lovers Lane. McDonough was the only occupant of the vehicle and he was not injured.
There was damage to McDonough’s SUV and also to a property owners’ fence.
McDonough waived arraignment on the charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and having open intoxicants inside a motor vehicle. The charges follow a complaint and warrant brought by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Operating under the influence is a 93-day misdemeanor charge, while the open intoxicant charge is a 90-day misdemeanor.
A written waiver of arraignment was filed on June 17 with the 3B District Court. Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent C. Westra has been appointed by the State Court Administrator to preside over the proceedings.
McDonough’s pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for July 24. He is represented by attorney Michael Hills.
The prosecutor has held office in St. Joseph County for nearly 12 years, having first been elected to the role in 2008.
