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Citizens Want Co. Commission To Ask For McDonough's Resignation
By: Mike Stiles - Monday, July 20, 2020


(CENTREVILLE) – A group of citizens want the St. Joseph County Commission to ask for the resignation of County Prosecutor John McDonough.

In a letter to the Commission dated July 20, 23 residents of St. Joseph County and three from Branch County, said that it is time to collectively take a stand regarding McDonough. They want the letter to be interpreted as one based on calm and measured reflection regarding not just one isolated incident, but the continual lack of leadership, work ethic and the mismanagement of the entire Prosecutor's office.

The letter specifically sites McDonough's habitual lack of attendance at his workplace for the last several years, which has resulted in a catastrophic backlog of criminal cases. The letter also says his failure to provide the most basic training and guidance to assistant prosecutors has resulted in a revolving door of employees.

It also says the McDonough has repeatedly wasted taxpayer dollars by allowing cases to linger and be set for jury trial as he simply hasn't put the time and effort into reviewing the file. He has cut last minute deals for serious criminal cases while ignoring the advice of the assistant prosecutors that managed the cases and, even worse, without even consulting the victims of the crimes.

The letter says the County Commission has seen this happen multiple times over the past several years and are fully aware of the expenditures on training, hiring, firing and human resources expended with the operation of the Prosecutor's office.

It also says that McDonough's decision on May 11, 2020 to consume alcohol during business hours and his subsequent accident and arrest constituted a pivotal incident that brought some light to the extreme dysfunction.

The letter says that everyone who signed it is in agreement in the hope that McDonough receives the help he needs and that he improves his health for himself and his family. However, his history over the past several years demands his replacement.

The letter says as constituents and residents of St. Joseph County, they are calling on the County Commission to ask for McDonough's resignation by officials resolution during Tuesday's regular Commission meeting.

The Commissioners will not discuss the matter on Tuesday, but may discuss it during a future meeting.

To see the letter. .

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