Oakland County’s chief probate judge under investigation for inappropriate relationship

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) – Oakland County Chief Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan was removed from her schedule this week and placed on indefinite leave.

According to sources, she is being investigated for an inappropriate relationship with a man who also works in the Oakland County courts.

In addition, there are allegedly indications of further misconduct on the part of the judge.

The evidence will now be forwarded to the Judicial Tenure Commission, which will make a recommendation to the Michigan Supreme Court regarding the investigation.

They have the power to do anything, from doing nothing to removing the judge altogether.

This is not the first time Judge Ryan has made headlines.

In 2021, she was charged with domestic violence and assault after allegedly attacking her boyfriend at one of their homes in Wixom.

The case was later dismissed after being transferred to Wayne County due to conflicts of interest in Oakland County.

Ryan was elected judge in 2010 – she handles cases involving issues such as wills and guardianship.

There are no previous complaints against her that have been investigated by the Judicial Office Commission.

Now the question is whether this will affect their past or current cases. The court spokesperson we spoke to says they expect some news next week.