Graham-Jones trial postponed again

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After six months of court proceedings, Tyrone Calvin Graham-Jones’ trial has been postponed again.

“The court can’t render a decision on the merits of the Judge Ervin case,” said Isabella County Trial Judge Paul Chamberlain. “We are waiting to hear if I will be removed from this case.”

On Wednesday, Graham-Jones’ attorney, Tony Moses motioned for Chamberlain to dismiss himself from ruling over a motion to remove Isabella County Trial Judge William Ervin from Graham Jones’ case involving two felony firearm charges.

However, Chamberlain said he has no actual bias or prejudice that would interfere with his judgment.

“I am not going to disqualify myself for any bias or prejudice in reviewing Judge Ervin’s decision,” Chamberlain said.

The firearm charges stem from a confidential informant saying Graham-Jones threatening to kill Isabella County trial Judge William Rush and other court officials.

Graham-Jones made the alleged threat after he was arrested on non-related charges stemming from an Aug. 28 fight in the Central Michigan University football student tailgating parking lot 63.

Isabella County Trial Judge William Rush recused himself from the case in November citing due process, but assured the court that he had no prejudices against the 24-year-old Mount Pleasant resident.

And Isabella County Trial Judge Mark Duthie removed himself in December because he said he had prior knowledge of the case.

Chamberlain said for him to dismiss himself from the case Moses would have to show Chamberlain had actual bias or prejudice toward his client.

The original motion filed by Moses in December requested all Isabella County trial judges be dismissed from the case based on their relationship with Rush.

The trial has not been rescheduled yet due to the complications with the possible dismissal of Chamberlain.

“For now, we have to say time-out until these disqualification matters are done,” Chamberlain said.

metro@cm-life.com