A Detroit judge who was temporarily removed from his position is back on the bench but now handling minor cases like speeding tickets. Judge Kenneth King was taken off his courtroom duties in August after an incident involving a 15-year-old girl during a field trip.
In this incident, King ordered the girl, Eva Goodman, to wear jail clothes and handcuffs because she was asleep and he thought she had a bad attitude. This happened while the field trip was being livestreamed. He even threatened her with juvenile detention before letting her go.
The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, explained that Eva might have been tired because they don’t have a permanent home. King later said in interviews that he apologized for his actions.
Now, the judge has returned to the traffic division of the 36th District Court, where he will handle less serious cases. He has also been required to undergo social-emotional training. Judge William McConico expressed gratitude for King’s efforts to prepare for his new role and wished him success in this transition.
King’s attorney, Todd Perkins, stated that the judge is open to working anywhere in the court and appreciates the importance of teamwork.
In response to the incident, Till has filed a lawsuit seeking over $75,000, claiming that King caused her daughter “fear and severe emotional distress.”
