A Detroit judge, previously removed from his duties after handcuffing a student during a field trip, has returned to the bench with a new assignment handling traffic violations and minor offenses.
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Judge Kenneth King was removed from his courtroom responsibilities in August and directed to complete social-emotional training by the chief judge of the 36th District Court. This week, rather than presiding over significant felony cases, King resumed work in the court’s traffic division.
“We appreciate his dedication in preparing for this role and wish him success as he takes on this new responsibility,” stated Judge William McConico in a written statement.
Todd Perkins, King’s attorney, emphasized the judge’s readiness to serve in any capacity. “He fully understands and embraces the concept of teamwork,” Perkins remarked on Thursday.
King faced disciplinary action for his treatment of a 15-year-old girl who was part of a group of teens visiting his courtroom. After the girl, Eva Goodman, fell asleep and displayed what King perceived as a poor attitude, he ordered her to wear jail clothes and be placed in handcuffs. The incident, which occurred during a live-streamed court session, also included a threat of juvenile detention, though Goodman was later released.
The girl’s mother, Latoreya Till, explained that her daughter may have been tired due to their unstable housing situation. King later issued a public apology.
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Till has since filed a lawsuit seeking more than $75,000 in damages for “inflicting fear and severe emotional distress.”
