St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney John McDonough has been charged with drunken driving and having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, according to a press release issued today by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.

McDonough was arrested by St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputies after he crossed the centerline of the road and crashed his vehicle into a fence on Lovers Lane. McDonough placed a call to 911 to report the accident on the evening of May 11, 2020.

According to the press release, “McDonough waived arraignment on the charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and having open intoxicants inside a motor vehicle.” McDonough is represented by Michael Hills, who filed a written waiver of arraignment with the 3B District Court on June 17. 

Nessel’s office said that Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent C. Westra will preside over the proceedings. For the charge of operating under the influence, McDonough could receive a sentence of to up to 93 days in jail, and up to 90 days for the open intoxicant charge. According to the press release, McDonough’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 24.

Dave Vago is a writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.