(Photo courtesy of The Times Herald)

St. Clair County, MI – In a revelation that has raised eyebrows in legal circles, St. Clair County FOC Referee Caryn Vanderheuvel presided over approximately 1,800 questionable cases from 2013 to 2021. What makes this noteworthy is the involvement of her brother, St. Clair County Probate Judge John Tomlinson, in these cases. Throughout this eight-year tenure, Vanderheuvel did not once disclose her familial ties to Judge Tomlinson, a lapse that many in the legal community deem as a significant oversight.

This lack of transparency has not gone unnoticed. The Judicial Tenure Commission, an entity responsible for ensuring the ethical conduct of judges and court officials, has initiated an investigation into both Vanderhuevel and her sibling Judge Tomlinson. The core of the inquiry revolves around the undisclosed sibling relationship, which could potentially influence the impartiality and fairness expected in judicial proceedings.

Adding another layer to this unfolding narrative, recent reports confirm that Caryn Vanderheuvel has been relieved of her duties as the Friend of Court referee for St. Clair County. While some sources suggest that Vanderheuvel’s departure was a voluntary move to embrace a new professional opportunity, there are murmurs that challenge this narrative. Given the ongoing investigation by the Judicial Tenure Commission, speculations are rife about the real reasons behind her sudden exit.

The community has been vocal in its response. Many are questioning the integrity of the judicial system, especially when potential conflicts of interest are not openly addressed. The nickname “Twerp” associated with Judge Tomlinson, albeit informal, reflects a certain level of public sentiment towards the judge, further underscoring the need for transparency and ethical conduct in the local,, judiciary.

Regardless of the circumstances leading to Vanderheuvel’s departure, her exit marks a significant change in the St. Clair County courthouse dynamics. For many in the community, this development is seen as a step towards ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the judicial system.

As the situation continues to evolve, St. Clair County residents and the broader legal community await further updates, especially from the Judicial Tenure Commission. The outcome of this investigation could have lasting implications for the county’s judiciary and might serve as a precedent for other jurisdictions grappling with similar ethical dilemmas.

AI Assisted Investigative Journalist

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