Harassment and Discrimination Claims in Plymouth Courtroom

PLYMOUTH — A federal lawsuit has been filed against two judges from the 35th District Court by a Palestinian-American attorney who alleges she faced harassment and discrimination while working there. The lawsuit was initiated by Sundus Jaber, an attorney who represents clients unable to afford legal counsel. Jaber claims this mistreatment came from Chief District Judge Ron Lowe, who is set to retire soon, and District Judge James Plakas, among other court personnel.

Jaber’s allegations include a disturbing comment made by Judge Lowe on her first day, where he suggested that the majority of her clients would be guilty and warned that if she contested too many cases, she would be removed from her position. She stated that this atmosphere has fostered a negative reputation for the court among attorneys serving indigent defendants.

According to the complaint, Jaber experienced nearly daily harassment from Plakas’ staff, which Jaber claims was tolerated by Judge Plakas. This behavior allegedly infringed upon the legal rights of her clients during court proceedings.

In a response to the allegations, Judge Plakas firmly denied any wrongdoing and said that everything that occurs in his courtroom is recorded, which he believes will support his case. “A judge cannot hide from the record,” he noted, claiming that there was no basis for Jaber’s accusations.

Jaber, who started her role as a public defender in September 2023, described her decision to file the lawsuit as a “last resort.” She previously requested her supervisor, Teresa Patton, to report the treatment of indigent defendants to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, but claims that this report was never made.

In her complaint, Jaber mentions that when she escalated her concerns to former Chief Judge Michael Gerou and Judge Plakas, the harassment increased, particularly after Lowe took on the role of chief judge. She claims that her hours and income were significantly reduced, and instead of being supported in her advocacy for clients, she faced requests to remove her from her position altogether.

To further complicate matters, Jaber has a personal history with Judge Lowe; as a teenager, she was wrongfully convicted in a trial he presided over, though that conviction was later overturned on appeal. It was this experience that pushed her toward a career in criminal defense.

The case has seen motions to dismiss filed by both Lowe and Plakas, as well as by Patton, all of which were denied by the court, and it has now been reassigned to Judge Robert White. Judge Lowe expressed confidence that the upcoming court pleadings could provide a very different narrative from what has been presented by Jaber.

“I believe that the 35th District Court, its judges, and its employees will be vindicated,” he said, while Judge Plakas echoed this sentiment, saying he looks forward to the discoveries that will unfold during the trial.

In her claims, Jaber is seeking compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress, alongside a reinstatement to her previous role. As the lawsuit unfolds, it highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment of public defenders and their clients at the Plymouth court.