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Second MI House lawmaker stripped of committee assignments

Courtesy of Jewell Jones

State Representative Jewell Jones has lost his committee assignments. House Speaker Jason Wentworth made that decision as Jones battles multiple legal problems.

Most recently, Jones is accused of trying to smuggle a handcuff key taped to the bottom of his shoe into the Livingston County Jail.

The Inkster Democrat was jailed Tuesday after a judge revoked his bond for trying to tamper with an ankle drug and alcohol monitor. That’s after he was charged with drunk driving and fighting with a police officer after he was stopped.

Speaker Jason Wentworth, a Republican, said removing Jones from his committees will give him time to address his mistakes and take control of his actions.

Wentworth, a Republican, said he’s lost confidence in the Inkster lawmaker’s ability to carry out his responsibilities.

House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski concurred in the decision. She said her priority is seeing Jones has a fair path to accountability and getting him the help he needs.

This decision comes one day after Wentworth stripped a Republican lawmaker of his committee assignments, too. Michigan State Police are investigating domestic abuse allegations against State Representative Steve Marino.

Copyright 2021 Michigan Radio

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.