Oakland County prosecutor accuses judge of issuing illegal sentences

Novi Judge Brian MacKenzie accused of issuing 'secret, illegal sentences'

PONTIAC, Mich. – An Oakland County Circuit Court judge has recused himself from handling a complaint filed by Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper against a district judge.

In a 238-page document, Cooper accuses Novi District Judge Brian MacKenzie of issuing "secret, illegal sentences." She alleges MacKenzie handled cases without a prosecutor present, and kept records from public view.

"The judge is very proud of his reputation. We will sustain it and defend it in these proceedings," said MacKenzie's lawyer, John Lynch.

The case was initially assigned to Oakland Circuit Judge Leo Bowman. At a hearing this afternoon, Bowman said he is friends with Cooper and MacKenzie, and cannot be impartial.

A new judge will be decided by blind draw. Lynch says his client will file a "detailed" response to the allegations within a few days.

MacKenzie did not appear at the hearing in Pontiac. He was on the bench earlier Monday in Novi.