I am referring to Judge Rachel Rancilio, circuit court judge for Macomb County, Michigan.
This starts, as it frequently does, with a tragedy.
In this case, it was the death of a child, Killian Vanderhagen.
His father, Jonathan Vanderhagen, was incensed that the child was placed in the custody of his ex-wife, who he felt was unfit, and when his child died, he began posting his criticisms of the system, and Judge Rancilo, who he felt was responsible for his child’s death, and promising, “I’m gonna dig up all the skeletons in this court’s closet.” (An investigation did not indicate that the mother caused the death)
The judge claimed to feel threatened, and referred the matter to police, who found no threat, but he was charged with “malicious use of telecommunications services,” and released on $2000 bond.
When he continued his criticisms, his bond was revoked, and now he is sitting in jail on $½ million bond.
Story here. (some excerpts follow)
It appears that he has been jailed for causing a hyper sensitive judge some butthurt.
He lost a custody battle, then his son lost his life. He blames the court system. He voiced his strong opinions on social media and the next thing he knew he was locked in jail.
……
Judge Rachel Rancilio saw the posts, many of which are publicly targeted at her. She apparently felt uncomfortable and possibly threatened.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s office responded and found he criticized what Judge Rachel Rancilio pinned on Pinterest as in his opinion inappropriate, posted videos saying he feels she and others responsible for Killian’s death, and blamed the court system for his loss.
The investigative report also says at no time did he threaten harm or violence.
Still he was charged with malicious use of telecommunications services and released on bond. Then he made more posts, such as one that reads, “Dada back to digging and you best believe I’m gonna dig up all the skeletons in this court’s closet.”
A judge ruled he violated his bond conditions. He now is in jail on half a million dollars bond.
Absent a threat of violence, and the promise to uncover skeletons in the closet is not a threat of violence, this appears to be a remarkable case of judicial abuse of process and abuse of power.