Troubling Courtroom Incident in Wayne County sparks Legal Action
In a shocking incident emerging from Wayne County, Michigan, a judge is now facing a lawsuit for humiliating a teen during a courtroom visit. The teenager, who was taking part in a field trip to the judge’s courtroom, had the unfortunate experience of being handcuffed and dressed in jail inmate attire. The family of the teen alleges that the judge’s actions crossed the line of professional conduct and have consequently initiated legal proceedings.
The judge, identified as Kenneth King, along with Universal Protection Services, and two court officers, were named as defendants in the 54-page federal civil rights lawsuit. The teen’s mother, Latoreya Till, voiced her concerns, stating, “I just want Judge King to take accountability for the way he humiliated my daughter.”
The teen was involved with The Greening of Detroit’s Green Corps Youth Employment Program and was visiting the 36th District Court when the regrettable incident took place. The lawyers representing the family alleged that Judge King had used the teen as an example after she fell asleep in his courtroom. A gesture that, according to them, amounted to an extreme disregard and disrespect of a young individual’s dignity.
Latoreya Till has spoken up about the incident, revealing that her daughter had apologized to the judge for falling asleep. Considering their situation of not having a stable place to live, the tired teen was likely fatigued. Besides the humiliating ordeal the teenager had to endure, the claims also include malicious prosecution, unlawful arrest, intentional infliction of emotional distress, vicarious liability, and four additional counts.
The extent of the ordeal wasn’t limited to the courtroom but extended to the digital sphere also, with a video of the incident being shared. The video now stands reportedly removed. This unpleasant episode in the courtroom resulted in Judge King’s temporary removal from his docket for additional training. Furthermore, Wayne State University declared that King will no longer serve as an adjunct professor due to the incident.
Latoreya Till, seeking justice for her daughter, opined, “I feel like he owes her a public apology. Not only that. He owes her more than just a public apology.” Despite the outcry and legal action, Judge King has not yet responded with a statement or agreed to an interview. Till recounted that her daughter is presently so traumatized she hasn’t been able to leave her home nor communicate with anyone other than family.
