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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
December 17, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2019
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
Whitmer appoints to the 36th District Court, 14A District Court, and 5th Circuit Court
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Jacquelyn A. McClinton to the 36th District Court in the City of Detroit, Anna M. Frushour to the 14A District Court of Washtenaw County, and Vicky L. Alspaugh to the 5th Circuit Court of Barry County.
“We want every person who interacts with the judicial system to know that they will get a fair shot by an experienced and respected judge,” Whitmer said. “Jacquelyn, Anna, and Vicky are well-known, well-respected professionals who will ensure that their courtrooms meet this standard of excellence.”
36th District Court – City of Detroit
Jacquelyn McClinton currently serves as an administrative law judge with the State of Michigan. In this role, she presides over administrative hearings relating to benefits services, licensing, disability, and expunction matters. Prior to becoming an administrative law judge, Ms. McClinton served as an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan in the Child and Youth Services, Unemployment, and Criminal Divisions.
Ms. McClinton is a resident of Detroit and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She is also a member of the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Black Women’s Lawyers Association, Wolverine Bar Association, D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan. She earned her Juris Doctor degree and master’s degree in dispute resolution from Wayne State University.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Detroit,” McClinton said. “I understand the importance of fair and impartial proceedings. It is imperative to me that the citizens of Detroit are treated with the dignity that they deserve and sincerely believe that the justice system is balanced.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term left vacant by the appointment of Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller to the 3rd Circuit Court on July 24, 2019. McClinton’s term will commence January 13, 2020 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021. If she wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Miller’s term, expiring at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2020.
14A District Court – Washtenaw County
Anna Frushour is a partner with Reiser & Frushour, PLLC and a private practice attorney with Frushour Law, PLLC. She primarily serves as a criminal defense attorney and has served as assigned defense counsel for the Mental Health Court, Veteran’s Treatment Court, Sobriety Court, and Street Outreach Courts in Washtenaw County. Prior to her current practice, she served as a contract attorney with the Vincent Law Firm in Ypsilanti.
Ms. Frushour is a member of the Attorney Discipline Board appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court. She is a former board member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and a past president of the Washtenaw County Women Lawyers Association. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Ms. Frushour lives in Pittsfield Township with her husband and their two children.
"A district court is the community court. It should reflect the values of our community,” Frushour said. “My goal will be for every person to walk out from their court experience feeling like they were heard, respected, and treated with dignity."
This appointment was made to fill a partial term left vacant by the resignation of Judge Richard Conlin, Jr. effective October 1, 2019. Frushour’s term will commence January 13, 2019 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021. If Frushour wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2020.
5th Circuit Court – Barry County
Vicky Alspaugh is a referee and magistrate with the Barry County Trial Court. She presides over cases that include domestic relations matters consisting of custody, parenting time, child support, and medical enforcement. Additionally, she hears cases of delinquency and child abuse and neglect. She previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ogemaw County Prosecutor's Office.
Ms. Alspaugh is a member of the Barry County Bar Association and the Michigan Probate and Juvenile Registers Association. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Ms. Alspaugh lives in Hastings with her husband Micheal.
"I am honored to serve the people of the State of Michigan and especially the people of Barry County in this new capacity,” Alspaugh said. “I look forward to working with the Judicial Counsel in facilitating the continued function of the Unified Trial Court which has benefited the citizens of Barry County since it began."
This appointment was made to fill a partial term left vacant by the resignation of Judge Amy L. McDowell effective October 15, 2019. Alspaugh’s term will commence on January 1, 2020 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021. If Alspaugh wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2020.
Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.