Shocking bodycam footage has emerged showing a US federal judge from Michigan cursing at police officers and failing sobriety tests after crashing his Cadillac while allegedly 'super drunk'. The incident, which occurred on October 3 in Springville Township near his $2.7 million vacation home, led to the arrest of 72-year-old Thomas Ludington, a judge for the US District Court in Eastern Michigan.
Confrontation and Arrest Captured on Camera
The video begins with a state trooper asking Judge Ludington to exit his vehicle, which had deployed airbags and showed side damage from allegedly striking two road signs. Ludington claimed he was 'not exactly sure why these deployed' and repeatedly insisted he had consumed no alcohol, stating, 'Seriously, I don't think I had anything.' He explained he had been driving for three hours from Bay City, where he serves as a federal judge, to his Harbor Springs cottage.
Failed Sobriety Tests and Outbursts
When instructed to perform field sobriety tests, Ludington struggled significantly. He was asked to recite the alphabet without singing and responded with, 'A, B, C, D, F, U…' According to the arrest report, he was 'unable to follow the instructions despite repeated attempts' on tests such as walking and turning. He also failed to properly use a breathalyzer, with the officer noting, 'You're sucking on it now. I need you to blow.'
As he was handcuffed, Ludington lashed out at the trooper, calling him a 'stupid son of a b***h.' The police report additionally noted that Ludington 'appeared to have urinated himself,' with his crotch area blurred in the footage. His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.27, far exceeding Michigan's legal limit of 0.08 and surpassing the 0.17 threshold for a 'super drunk' classification under state law.
Legal Charges and Leave of Absence
Ludington was charged with two misdemeanors: operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a high blood-alcohol content. On Monday, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Ludington is taking a voluntary leave of absence. He had continued hearing cases after the October crash but will now step away until his legal case is resolved, albeit on a paid leave. Ludington earns $249,900 annually, according to reports.
Potential Consequences and Court Proceedings
If convicted, Ludington faces severe penalties, including up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, 360 hours of community service, and a driving ban for the first charge. The 'super drunk' charge could result in 180 days in jail, a $700 fine, and 360 hours of community service. He is scheduled for a status conference on April 6, with a jury trial set to begin on May 8.
Judge Ludington, nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002 and confirmed in June 2006, was recognized by the American Bar Association in 2023 for exhibiting 'exceptional qualities of civility, courtesy, and professionalism.' The court stated, 'We value Judge Ludington as a colleague and friend,' in response to the incident. The Daily Mail has reached out to the US District Court and Ludington's lawyer, Jonathan Steffy, for further comment.
