LANSING (AP) - A Michigan judge has recused herself from sentencing an ex-prosecutor who pleaded guilty to misconduct in office in a prostitution investigation.
The Lansing State Journal reports that Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina made the ruling Wednesday following a motion by lawyers representing Stuart Dunnings III.
The 63-year-old Dunnings also pleaded guilty to soliciting a prostitute in a deal that dismisses 14 other charges in three counties. He had been Ingham County's prosecutor for nearly 20 years.
Aquilina said Wednesday that she understands the appearance of impropriety, but believes she "can be fair and impartial" in sentencing Dunnings.
Authorities pursued Dunnings based on information first gathered during a human-trafficking investigation by the FBI. He was accused of hiring prostitutes and inducing a woman to become a prostitute.
Published: Fri, Sep 16, 2016
