Opinion ID: 2712855
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: count one: perjury

Text: The master and the JTC both found that respondent made false statements under oath in Judge Brennan’s courtroom. We agree. While respondent was under oath in Judge Brennan’s courtroom, Judge Brennan asked respondent whether she had called Judge Brennan’s chambers on the preceding day, March 15, 2011, and respondent said that she had not.9 Indeed, respondent repeatedly denied ever having called Judge 8 “[I]t is the JTC’s, not the master’s conclusions and recommendations that are ultimately subject to review by this Court.” In re Chrzanowski, 465 Mich 468, 481; 636 NW2d 758 (2001). 9 Respondent argues that she was not under oath when she was asked about the telephone call. We agree with the master and the JTC that she was. It is undisputed that respondent was placed under oath near the beginning of the proceedings on March 16, 2011, while she was at counsel’s table. Respondent remained at counsel’s table during the entire proceeding, she did not leave the courtroom, and she was not at any point told that she was no longer under oath. Indeed, when respondent indicated that she had not spoken to anyone in Judge Brennan’s chambers the day before, Judge Brennan had her secretary, Kirsten Turner, brought into the courtroom and made it a point to place Ms. Turner under oath before asking Ms. Turner whether someone had called Judge Brennan’s chambers the day before and identified herself as Judge Adams. On the basis of this evidence, we agree with the master and the JTC that respondent was-- and should have known that she was-- still under oath when she repeatedly denied having called Judge Brennan’s chambers. 8 Brennan’s chambers while she was represented by counsel.10 However, both Judge Brennan’s secretary, Kirsten Turner, and her clerk, Ryan Mathews, testified that respondent had called Judge Brennan’s chambers on several occasions while represented by counsel. Respondent herself now admits that she did call Judge Brennan’s chambers on March 15, 2011. Respondent argues, however, that she did not intentionally or willfully make any false statements because when she denied calling Judge Brennan’s chambers, she was under the impression that she was simply denying that she had tried to speak directly with Judge Brennan. This is belied by the fact that respondent did not just say, “I didn’t call your chambers directly,” but also repeatedly said, “I did not call your staff directly,” and then, after Judge Brennan asked her, “Are you telling me that you did not have a conversation with anybody from my staff, from my office yesterday,” respondent said, “I did not call anyone,” “I did not have any conversation,” and, finally, when Judge Brennan told respondent, “do not call my chambers[;] [d]on’t call members of the staff, don’t speak with clerks, don’t speak with legal secretaries, don’t speak with research attorneys, anybody who’s a member of the staff; it’s not appropriate,” respondent replied, “the only time I’ve called your chambers was when I was unrepresented.” At this point in the 10 Specifically, respondent stated at one point or another in this regard, “I didn’t call your chambers directly;” I did not call your staff directly;” “I did not call anyone direct -- your chambers directly;” “Again, I did not call your staff -- your chambers directly;” “I did not call anyone -- your chambers;” “I did not have any conversation;” “I did not call your chambers directly;” “The only time I’ve called your chambers was when I was unrepresented;” “I haven’t admitted to speaking with anyone;” “maybe someone from my court called but I did not call;” “I did not call here;” and “I’ve never called your chambers directly.” 9 colloquy it was perfectly clear that Judge Brennan was asking respondent if she had called and talked to any of her staff and respondent clearly denied that she had ever done so while represented by counsel. After this occurred, Judge Brennan had her secretary, Kirsten Turner, brought into the courtroom and placed under oath, and when Ms. Turner testified that respondent had called the day before, respondent replied, “That is not correct.” Again, at this point, respondent had to have known that she was being asked whether she had called and spoken to Judge Brennan’s secretary, not just whether she had tried to call Judge Brennan herself, and yet respondent still refused to admit that she had called and spoken to Judge Brennan’s secretary. Respondent also testified falsely about whether her clerk had called Judge Brennan’s chambers. Respondent first said that her clerk had called Judge Brennan’s chambers to see if the hearing could be rescheduled, but then about one minute later denied ever having said that. On the basis of this evidence, we agree with and adopt the JTC’s finding that respondent made false statements under oath in Judge Brennan’s courtroom.11