A recent disciplinary complaint filed by the Michigan Grievance Administrator is somewhat unusual in that allegations of incapacity are levied as well as charges of substantive misconduct.

As to incapacity

1. Prior to 2017,Respondent had been on the Oscoda County court-appointment list for many years.
2. Upon information and belief, based upon data from Garry Blair of Mio, Michigan, during Mr. Blair’s January 2017 court appearance in the 23rd Circuit Court before Judge Kathryn Root, Respondent appeared wearing tattered clothes and shoes, had an unsanitary odor, and during court proceedings repeatedly spoke of voices in her head.
3. Information from Judge Root confirmed that Respondent, a friend, has a family history of mental illness.
4. Respondent’s symptoms have in the past few years become more rapidly severe and disabling.
5. In December 2016, Judge Root spoke with Respondent, who agreed to no longer receive court appointments as a result of her health challenges.
6.  Respondent is aware of her declining ability and has visited doctors, but is not improving.
7. Petitioner requests that a hearing panel take action necessary to determine whether Respondent is incapacitated pursuant to MCR 9.121(B)(1) and that the following allegations of professional misconduct be held in abeyance pursuant to MCR 9.121 (B)(4).