Corrections officer arraigned; internal investigation will follow

LUDINGTON — A 46-year-old Mason County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer was arraigned in 79th District Court Wednesday and charged with assault and battery against a fellow officer. Mary Lucas of Ludington will have a pre-trial hearing on Jan. 13, 2014. A $2,500 bail was set and she was released on personal recognizance.

The charges stem from an Oct. 21 incident involving another sheriff’s corrections officer.

According to a press release from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan Sheriff’s Association Missions Team was called to investigate and the results of the investigation were turned over the prosecutor’s office. The officer has been on administrative leave pending the disposition of the case. Sheriff Kim Cole said the sheriff’s association team acted as an internal affairs investigation team. He said he and his administrative team were not part of the investigation.

Cole said once the criminal process is completed then his department will conduct an internal investigation. “It’s important that we keep the two investigations separate,” he said.

Lucas has been on administrative leave since the incident. Cole said he expected to meet with Lucas and union representatives to discuss how to proceed with her suspension.