A lawsuit has been filed alleging that Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch may have avoided a mandatory jail sentence following a 2003 third-offense drunk driving arrest due to political influence. Teh case is drawing scrutiny as Kinloch’s brother,Solomon Kinloch,campaigns for Detroit mayor.
The legal action, brought by Wayne County activist Robert Davis against the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the City of Detroit, and the Detroit Police Department, centers on whether Commissioner Kinloch received preferential treatment under Michigan law. A third drunk driving conviction is classified as a felony in the state, carrying a minimum penalty of 30 days in jail.
Davis alleges that records related to Kinloch’s case, which he requested through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, are now reportedly unavailable. He contends this lack of documentation raises questions about whether kinloch’s established political connections played a role in circumventing the required jail time. The lawsuit seeks to uncover the truth behind the handling of the case and ensure accountability.
Commissioner Kinloch, a long-time figure in Wayne County politics who has assisted numerous Democratic candidates in the region, offered a brief statement through a spokesperson.“I fulfilled everything the Probation Department required of me. Afterwards I was released from my probation,” he said.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. Solomon Kinloch’s mayoral campaign issued a statement asserting that the matter is unrelated to the pastor’s candidacy.
You Deeper:
The controversy surfaces as Solomon Kinloch gains momentum in the Detroit mayoral race. His campaign has focused on community revitalization and public safety. Jonathan Kinloch’s past legal issues could possibly impact his brother’s campaign, raising questions about family ethics and judgment.
Robert Davis initiated the lawsuit after encountering difficulties obtaining records related to the 2003 arrest. He claims officials initially indicated the records existed but later stated they could not be located. Davis believes this discrepancy warrants further investigation.
the other side:
The Kinloch family has a important presence in Detroit politics and community leadership. Solomon Kinloch is a prominent pastor and has been actively involved in local initiatives for years. The campaign’s insistence on separating the pastor from his brother’s legal issues suggests a desire to protect his image and focus on his platform.
