Photo still taken from YouTube
DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit judge who was temporarily removed after ordering a teenager into jail clothes and handcuffs during a field trip is back on the bench but assigned to speeding tickets and other relatively minor offenses.
Judge Kenneth King lost courtroom duties in August and was ordered into social-emotional training by the chief judge at 36th District Court. Instead of handling key hearings in major felonies, he returned this week to the court’s traffic division.
"We appreciate his efforts in preparing for this role, and wish him success as he transitions into this new responsibility," Judge William McConico said in a written statement.
Family sues Detroit judge that ordered teen handcuffed for falling asleep during field trip
The family of a teen who was ordered handcuffed by a Detroit judge during a field trip has sued the official after it left the girl feeling humiliated and embarrassed.
King’s attorney, Todd Perkins, said the judge is willing to work anywhere at the court.
"He truly understands and wholeheartedly embraces the concept of teamwork," Perkins said Thursday.
King got in trouble for singling out a 15-year-old girl for falling asleep and having what he considered to be a bad attitude while she was visiting his courtroom with other teens.
He ordered Eva Goodman into jail clothes and handcuffs — all while the field trip was on a livestream video. King also threatened her in front of her peers with juvenile detention before releasing her.
The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, said she may have been tired because they don’t have a permanent address. King told TV stations that he apologized.
Till has filed a lawsuit, seeking more than $75,000 for "inflicting fear and severe emotional distress."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Detroit judge cuffs teen who disregarded orders during court field trip
The teen was on a field trip with the environmental non-profit Greening of Detroit when Judge Kenneth King expressed his displeasure with her behavior after she fell asleep twice in his courtroom.