There will be no further jail time for a state lawmaker convicted in Livingston County on a variety of felony charges including escape of lawful custody and resisting and obstructing police.
State Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) was sentenced to two years probation on Thursday by Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty, who added in 100 hours of community service.
The conviction stemmed from an April 2021 incident along I-96 near Fowlerville after his SUV was spotted weaving in and out of traffic before ending up in a ditch. According to Michigan State Police, his blood alcohol content was 0.19, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Responding troopers say he struggled with them after the crash and allegedly threatened to call Gov. Whitmer, a fellow Democrat, and then stated he had oversight of the Michigan State Police budget.
The sentence followed Assistant Prosecutor Christina Richards urging Hatty to sentence Jones to more jail time. The Detroit News said Richards cited Jones’ three bond violations following his initial arrest, including his attempt to sneak a handcuff key into the Livingston County Jail.
However, Hatty noted Jones’ relatively good behavior after he was released from jail in the fall, saying that the plea agreement, “gets us to justice,” and he didn’t think any more jail time is necessary.
While Jones didn’t say much during his sentencing, afterward he told reporters that he was thankful to Hatty for giving him a second chance.
His resisting and obstructing and weapons convictions are eligible for eventual dismissal under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which allows individuals up to the age of 25 to keep convictions private upon successful completion of sentencing and parole.
