(UNDATED) – A decision has been given in the case against St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis.

In a ruling by the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, they announced that Davis plead no contest to the charges brought against her and will be reprimanded for her actions.

According to the ruling, on January 16, 2024 while acting as an Assistant Prosecutor for St. Joseph County during a preliminary examination and bond hearing, Davis made misleading statements to District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton regarding the absence of the victim who had been subpoenaed to testify.

Davis failed to tell Middleton she had met with the victim before the hearing and told her the case would be dismissed and her subpoena canceled. She then escorted the victim out of the courthouse, and the victim never testified.

When Middleton asked about the victim’s lack of appearance, Davis allegedly gave evasive responses and failed to admit her role in the victim’s departure. Instead Davis implied the victim left due to fear of the defendant and was being uncooperative. As a result, Middleton canceled the defendant's bond and postponed the hearing, resulting in the defendant spending additional time in jail.

An internal investigation was conducted by then Prosecuting Attorney David Marvin, who found Davis committed misconduct by making false statements to the Court. Davis was terminated from her position effective January 25, 2024.

On June 11, the parties involved submitted a Stipulation For Consent Order of Discipline. It contains that Davis will be reprimanded, effective July 12.

The panel finds that Davis knowingly made a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal; violated to attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to contempt, censure or reproach; and engaged in conduct that violates the standards or rules of professional conduct.

Davis was also ordered to play court costs in the amount of $1,081.70.