(Allegan, MI - WHTC News) - These are turbulent times for John and Joyce Watts.
The high-profile Allegan couple is in separate pots of legal hot water. Joyce Watts, the long-time county clerk, is being investigated by the state Attorney General’s office over possible criminal irregularities. It stems from alleged mishandling of ballots following this past May’s general election that negated a requested recount of a two-vote passage of a millage increase question in Saugatuck Township. Watts, the township clerk and their deputies are all named in the probe being done at the request of the state Bureau of Elections.
Meanwhile, John Watts has been disbarred for a year by the state Attorney Discipline Board. The long-time barrister isn’t contesting allegations of various transgressions of ethical behavior, and faces a preliminary hearing next month on criminal embezzlement, fraud and auto theft charges.
Joyce Watts isn’t commenting on her situation, while John Watts claims that disgruntled clients who own him fees are behind his legal difficulties.
-Gary Stevens, WHTC/WYVN News
