COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady explained the process to the Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday that he will have to go through to select a prosecutor to serve out the balance of Ralph Kimble’s term.
The job was officially posted last Wednesday, one day after Kimble’s resignation became official. He resigned after working out an agreement with the State of Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission which included a six month suspension from practicing law. It followed allegations of misconduct which included sexual harassment that were made by several female employees in the Branch County Courthouse.
Under Michigan law, the Circuit Court has to fill the vacancy in the prosecutors office.
He asked Commissioners for their support of chief assistant prosecutor Valerie White who is running the office until a new prosecutor is named. The judge pointed out the office is understaffed right now.
O’Grady said there was no timeline for the selection. All interested candidates are being asked to submit their applications to the Branch County Circuit Court office.
