ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A Michigan man who appeared virtually at a Washtenaw County court hearing earlier this month was ordered by a judge to turn himself in after his camera showed him actively driving under a suspended license.
The incident occurred during a hearing on May 15. Corey Harris, 44, was scheduled to attend the hearing on charges stemming from a previous arrest in Pittsfield Township, just south of Ann Arbor.
Video of the hearing shows the moment Harris joined the hearing, visible behind the wheel of a moving car. Michigan has a law on the books that prohibits the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.
Once Harris joined Zoom, Judge J. Cedric Simpson immediately asked Harris if he was driving.
“Actually, I’m driving into my doctor’s office, so give me a moment. I’m parking now,” Harris replied.
As Harris continued to drive in front of the camera, Simpson could be seen saying, “Wow.” Then he said, “So maybe I don’t understand something. This is driving while license suspended (case)… and he was just driving, and he didn’t have a license?”
14A Court/YouTube
Harris remained on camera, a grim look on his face as lawyers confirmed to Simpson that he had just broadcast to the entire courtroom that he was driving without a valid driver’s license.
“I don’t even know why he would do that,” Simpson said. “So the defendant’s bail is revoked in this case. The defendant is scheduled to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail today at 6 p.m. If he does not turn himself in, there will be a warrant without bond.”
Harris continued to broadcast into the courtroom Zoom as he rolled his head back in disbelief and said, “Oh my god.”
Harris was released two days later and will appear in court again on June 5.
