Newly elected County Commissioner Mark Brant in Monroe County, Michigan, will be serving an 18-month sentence in federal prison for maintaining a drug-involved premises after pleading guilty to leasing land to individuals who grew and sold marijuana in Ohio, breaking federal law. Brant kept his legal issues a secret from his colleagues until September, resigning in October but still winning a fourth term on November 5th election with 90% of the vote. Despite his popularity and prior election victories, many were unaware of his legal troubles before the election. Brant will serve his term from behind bars, assuring constituents that his phone will still be available and that his fellow board members have volunteered to handle constituent concerns in his absence. County officials who knew about Brant’s situation are now under scrutiny for not informing the commission or disclosing their knowledge. On the issue of using government position and letterheads to seek leniency for a friend, State Senator Joe Bellino Jr. wrote a letter on Brant’s behalf using government letterheads, claiming he was unaware of Brant’s criminal charges at the time. Residents are expressing their disappointment and anger, with some calling for Brant’s resignation and concerns about how he can effectively serve from prison. Brant’s lawyer argued that a prison sentence would affect the community more than Brant himself. The situation raises questions about government accountability, transparency, and ethics and has created controversy within Monroe County.
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Michigan County Commissioner to Continue Serving Constituents Despite Incarceration in Federal Prison
