Royal Oak 44th District Judge Terrence Brennan, 64, is unopposed on the ballot for re-election Tuesday.
But he'll retire in January rather than face possible disciplinary action for allegedly having intimate relations with a court employee, Mike Martindale reports, based on emails obtained by the Detroit News. One news report says the female employee got preferential treatment.
Brennan went on a paid administrative leave in early October for "personal reasons," according to court officials, amid questions by the State Court Administrative Office about his alleged relationship with the female employee.
The employee has hired an attorney to negotiate a financial settlement for her to retire as well, in an arrangement being brokered by court and city officials, according to an email sent by city attorney David Gillam.
Gillam confirmed he sent emails to several city officials in October regarding Brennan's paid personal administrative leave, which began Oct. 8, but had no further explanation and would not divulge any of the email details.
Brennan makes $138,000 a year and is full fully vested in an $89,000 yearly pension, The News says. He's been on the bench since 1991.
