LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Saint Joseph County prosecutor accused of driving drunk was formally charged Thursday.
John McDonough was driving in Lockport Township in May when he crossed the center line and hit a fence, according to investigators.
Both the fence and the vehicle were damaged.
He also had opened alcohol inside his vehicle at the time, the sheriff’s office said.
McDonough’s lawyer said during Thursday’s arraignment that he is seeking treatment, including time in an in-patient facility and a 12-step program with Alcoholics Anonymous.
In addition, elected officials and residents of Saint Joseph County said in a letter in July that McDonough doesn’t fulfill his duties as a prosecutor for a number of reasons.
They said he doesn’t make himself available to local law enforcement, regularly doesn’t show up to work and fires assistant prosecutors without cause.
The letter also says the county has a long backlog of criminal cases that McDonough is responsible for.
He’s expected back in court later this month.
