In 3B District Court Tuesday, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough pled guilty to a bond violation that took place on August 7. The violation was one of two for which McDonough was charged. The second charge is in relation to a violation that allegedly took place on September 15. 

Both violation charges stem from his May arrest in a drunk driving incident, and both allegedly involved McDonough violating his bond terms by either purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol, or by visiting an establishment whose primary business is alcohol sales. Despite Tuesday’s plea deal, McDonough’s original drunk driving charges still stand, and are scheduled for trial on November 24.

Although initially McDonough pled not guilty to the two bond violation charges during a September 17 arraignment hearing, prosecutors offered him a plea deal on Tuesday wherein the September 15 violation charge and other related charges would be dropped. In pleading guilty to the August 7 charge, McDonough accepted that deal. His guilty plea means he forfeits his right to a hearing or a jury trial, as well as certain rights to appeal his case.

Tuesday’s hearing took place via the Zoom online meeting platform. Though it took place in St. Joseph County Circuit Court, it was presided over by Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent Westra.

At the hearing, McDonough’s attorney, Michael Hills, requested a delay in sentencing so that McDonough could continue treatment with an outpatient alcoholism treatment program. McDonough said he is undergoing treatment three days per week, plans to attend daily group support, and has begun a 12-step program. McDonough called his situation “unmanageable,” and said he is working with doctors and loved ones to regain control of his life.

In response to the guilty plea, Assistant Attorney General Gregory Townsend asked for an inpatient treatment sentence at Tuesday’s hearing. However, Westra allowed McDonough to continue outpatient treatment. In the interest of accountability, Westra said the court would be watching carefully for any further violations. If any violations were to occur, Westra said, the court could recommend inpatient treatment. No sentencing date has yet been set for the bond violation.

Dave Vago is a staff 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.