Monroe County Commissioner resigns after felony drug conviction

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (WTVG) – A Monroe County commissioner has resigned after being convicted of federal drug charges.

Mark Brant was sentenced to 18 months in prison last month for his drug conviction. His resignation letter said the charges were based on renting homes and allowing tenants to grow marijuana, which is a federal violation.

He resigned from his position as district commissioner for District 2 on September 1. His fellow commissioners accepted this unanimously.

“I, like each of you, am proud of our many accomplishments and the way we have worked together as a cohesive team to position the organization and our community for the future,” Brant’s resignation letter read in part. “I don’t want my personal circumstances to interfere with the smooth running of the county that I love so much.”

Officials tell 13 Action News the board has elected current vice chair Randy Richardville as board chair and Henry Lievens as vice chair for the remainder of 2024.

Brant is on the ballot for re-election in November and told the Toledo Blade that he would run for office if re-elected.

The Michigan Constitution states that a candidate can remain in office after being convicted of a felony as long as the charge is not related to deception or fraud in connection with his or her official role in an elected office or his or her local, state or federal service government related.

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