A Michigan State Police investigation reveals that Monroe County 1st District Judge Jarod Calkins, 41, allegedly hired women for sex and transported them for that purpose.
Calkins has been charged with one count of transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution and four counts of hiring women for the purpose of prostitution.
Transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution is a felony that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Hiring women for the purpose of prostitution is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 93 days in jail.
MSP received reports of prostitution-related activities at a hotel in Monroe Township and opened an investigation to determine if the reports were accurate.
Upon investigation, MSP uncovered evidence that an individual matching Calkins' description was allegedly having women meet him at the hotel to engage in sexual activity for money.
According to the warrant, Calkins allegedly found his victims online; he used the name Michael Collins in accounts on Facebook, Tinder and OKCupid.
One victim told police he offered to be her sugar daddy in a BDSM relationship. She said he paid to choke her, shock her and have sex.
Another victim told police that Calkins took her to the home where he lived with his family. He reportedly gave her a safe word to use if she felt uncomfortable. She said she used it and he became more violent. He allegedly paid her $50 for one encounter.
His third victim said they came to the Baymont Inn in Monroe Township where workers confronted her about prostitution. Calkins allegedly told her to delete their messages and say nothing if questioned by police.
"Public officials must be held to a higher standard, and I will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that we hold accountable anyone who violates the public trust," said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.
"I applaud the work done by the Michigan State Police and my Public Integrity Unit who put a stop to activities that violate the public trust.
Calkins was arraigned on March 9 and his bond is set at $25,000.
