Senator Virgil Smith, Jr. (D-Detroit)
submitted his resignation Thursday, effective April 12.
Mr. Smith’s resignation comes on the
heels of his nearly yearlong legal battle involving an altercation with his
ex-wife. Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Talon sentenced the Senator
to a 10-month sentence in the Wayne County Jail on a felony conviction of
property destruction.
Judge Talon did not believe it was in
his jurisdiction to order the Senator to resign, however he did suggest Mr.Smith
consider doing so. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) had said
if Mr. Smith did not resign by the time Spring Break ended, the Senate would
begin expulsion proceedings. Mr. Smith’s resignation is set for April 12, so as
to receive a final paycheck on April 7th. Amber McCann, spokesperson
for the Majority Leader, commented the timing was not ideal, however a
voluntary resignation is preferable to expulsion.