DETROIT — In what should have been a routine arraignment for controversial political consultant Sam Riddle today, his former domestic partner stood to object to the judge’s order.

Riddle, who was bound over for trial on charges of assault against former State Rep. Mary Waters, stood mute and had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf. Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill, over the objections of the prosecutor, ordered Riddle’s electronic tether removed as a condition of bond because he saw no threat to public security. The judge left in place an order that prevents contact between Riddle and Waters.

Riddle is accused of brandishing and cocking a shotgun when Waters caught him bed with another woman in the apartment they shared. “I don’t want that. That’s not what I want,” Water said while standing in the gallery of Bill’s courtroom.

The judge was swayed to remove the tether despite warnings from the prosecution that there was an obligation to protect the victim when Waters told the judge “for the record, I was never afraid of Sam Riddle.”

It was an unfortunate situation. I was angry. It was the whole woman thing. I felt angry and disrespected.
Bill said the fact that Riddle has been attending his trial in federal court is a sign he is not a flight risk.
The next court hearing will be March 19, when the prosecution said they expect to present a plea offer.

From The Detroit News: Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News