‘Super Drunk’ Federal Judge Curses Out Cops After He Crashed His Cadillac [WATCH]

Body camera footage captured the moments a federal judge in Michigan was arrested after crashing his Cadillac while intoxicated, according to police records and video released from the October incident.

Thomas Ludington, 72, a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, was taken into custody on October 3 in Springville Township after authorities responded to a crash near his $2.7 million vacation home.

The footage shows the interaction between Ludington and a Michigan state trooper after the judge’s Cadillac struck two road signs. The vehicle was heavily damaged, with airbags deployed and visible side damage.

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The video begins with the trooper asking Ludington to exit the vehicle. Ludington appeared uncertain about the crash.

He told the officer he was “not exactly sure why these deployed” while referencing the airbags in his vehicle.

During the interaction, the trooper asked Ludington how much alcohol he had consumed. The judge repeatedly denied drinking.

“Seriously,” Ludington said. “I don’t think I had anything.”

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Ludington told the trooper he had been driving for three hours from Bay City, where he serves as a federal judge. He said he was heading to his cottage in Harbor Springs at the time of the crash.

The officer then asked Ludington to perform a series of field sobriety tests. These included reciting the alphabet, walking, and turning.

When Ludington was instructed to recite the alphabet without singing, he responded with an expletive.

“A, B, C, D, F, U…”

Police said Ludington failed that test as well as other sobriety assessments.

According to the arrest report, Ludington was “unable to follow the instructions despite repeated attempts.”

The judge was also unable to properly complete a breathalyzer test. During the exchange, the trooper attempted to instruct him on how to blow into the device.

“You’re sucking on it now,” the officer told Ludington. “I need you to blow.”

Even as the arrest was taking place, Ludington appeared confused about the situation.

“So what the hell are you doing?” Ludington asked.

“I’m arresting you for operating under the influence, sir,” the police officer told him.

The trooper continued, stating: “You are very clearly intoxicated. I’ve got the odor of alcohol coming from you even though you say that you haven’t had anything to drink today.”

Following the failed sobriety tests, Ludington was handcuffed and placed under arrest.

As the trooper instructed him how to get into the patrol vehicle while restrained, Ludington made another remark directed at the officer.

“Stupid son of a b***h,” he said.

Police records state that Ludington’s blood alcohol level was measured at 0.27. The legal limit in Michigan is 0.08.

Michigan law classifies a blood alcohol level above 0.17 as “super drunk.”

The arrest report also noted that Ludington “appeared to have urinated himself.” The body camera footage released publicly blurred the crotch area of his clothing.

Ludington was charged with two misdemeanor offenses: operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a high blood-alcohol content.

Despite the arrest in October, Ludington continued hearing cases on the federal bench in the months that followed.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan announced that Ludington would take a voluntary leave of absence while his case proceeds.

The leave is paid.

According to the Detroit News, Ludington earns $249,900 per year as a federal judge.

In a statement, the court addressed the situation.

“We value Judge Ludington as a colleague and friend,” the court’s statement said.

Ludington is scheduled to return to court on April 6 for a status conference in the criminal case. A jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 8.

If convicted of the charges, Ludington could face penalties including up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, 360 hours of community service, and restrictions on driving.

The “super drunk” charge carries additional penalties. That offense could lead to up to 180 days in jail, a fine of $700, and 360 hours of community service.

Ludington was nominated to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2002 and was confirmed to the U.S. District Court in June 2006.

In 2023, the American Bar Association recognized Ludington for exhibiting “exceptional qualities of civility, courtesy, and professionalism.”

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