by Ryan Hunter
ON THE EVENING of Feb. 23, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church of Ypsilanti hosted “A Community Gathering.” Sponsored by Ann Arbor’s NAACP Chapter President, William V. Hampton, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church Pastor Ricky Jefferson and community advocate Lefiest Galimore, the event was designed to both raise awareness and community support among area African American residents for embattled Washtenaw County Judge Cedric J. Simpson.
Simpson faces an upcoming Mar. 30 judicial misconduct trial presided over by retired Ingham County Judge Peter Houk.
The Feb. 23 gathering, led by Washtenaw County Commissioner Ronnie Peterson (D-District 6), did not directly confront or answer charges leveled against the Judge by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Instead, various community leaders and speakers engaged the audience with testimony about the character and honor Simpson has demonstrated throughout his career as a judge. There were also calls for community involvement and support of Judge Simpson—in part based on the fact that he is the county’s only African American judge.
The Judicial Tenure Commission filed a formal complaint against Simpson in November 2014 in which it is alleged he had an inappropriate relationship with his intern, Crystal Vargas. The Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court Judge faces accusations of improper conduct resulting from his involvement during and after a routine field sobriety test administered to Crystal Marie Vargas by Pittsfield Twp. Police in the early morning hours of Sept. 8, 2013.
In a subsequent investigation into Simpson’s actions, it has been alleged by the Judicial Tenure Commission that Judge Simpson and Vargas exchanged thousands of text messages.
Judge Simpson, who has steadfastly denied any misconduct, now faces the possibility of censure, suspension, or removal from the bench. Simpson is up for re-election in 2016, and has maintained his innocence, denying any misconduct.
Judge Simpson has claimed he responded to his intern Vargas’s early morning call because she was under duress, and was without immediate family in the area. Simpson has repeatedly rejected the assertion that he was attempting to use his judicial office to impede an official investigation.
During his comments, County Commissioner Peterson said: “Judge Simpson has served his community honorably, and his integrity and honesty go without question.” Peterson urged members of the community to organize and rally behind Simpson, stating “wherever the process takes us, or wherever the process ends we are going to stand behind him (Simpson).”
Simpson observed the proceedings, occasionally offering a nod of approval towards the speakers after they delivered calls for public support and engagement in the scheduled Mar. 30 hearing.
As the only African American Judge in Washtenaw County, Simpson has garnered strong support from the NAACP. Ann Arbor Chapter President Hampton called for advocating on Simpson’s behalf, because he has been a strong voice within the Black community. Hampton encouraged the African American community to stay informed. Hampton concluded his remarks by saying to Judge Simpson, “We will have your back today, we have your back tomorrow, and we have your back forever.”
Other speakers echoed Hampton’s sentiments, including local poet Leslie McGraw. She emphasized that many of the allegations Judge Simpson is facing are “rumor based.” Additionally, McGraw was highly critical of the MLive’s coverage of the charges levied against Judge Simpson.
“You cannot trust one journalistic source, there was a lot that we didn’t see,” said McGraw. She continued, “It’s interesting that a 45 minute video was clipped to one minute that skews public perception.”
Leslie McGraw also pointed out that over the past four years Washtenaw County has “gone from having four African American Judges, to one. At some point we have to ask why?”
As gospel music softly filled the room, an emotional Judge Simpson stood before the attendees and expressed his gratitude for their support. During his remarks Simpson became tearful.
“Your support means the world to me, and I am just humbled by all of this,” he said. He continued “ I am not like other politicians, because I have to be impartial in court I don’t always speak up, but (regarding the accusations) I will have my say.”
Judge Simpson talked about the toll the allegations have taken on his family.
“It’s been difficult having to explain to my children. They are my strength, they are my rock, and it’s important they know who I am,” he said.
Perhaps inspired by his surroundings, Simpson hinted at the intervention of a higher power stating, “ultimately this isn’t a political battle,” he continued, “this is a spiritual battle, and I pray this mountain will be moved.”
Brown Church A.M.E. will provide bus transportation to the March 30 hearing, to those who want to support Judge Simpson but do not have transportation available. Those who want to volunteer additional services or support should contact either Ypsilanti’s Brown Chapel A.M.E., or contact the office of County Commissioner Ronnie Petersen.