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| Rep. Jewell Jones |
In a social media post this week, Jones claims he was notified by mail of the suspension as part of his plea deal on felony and misdemeanor charges including resisting and obstructing police, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possessing a weapon while intoxicated, reckless driving, and escape of lawful custody. As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Jones was allowed to take advantage of a youth sentencing program called the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will expunge the felony convictions from his record if he successfully completes the program.
Jones also announced that he is joining Farmington Hills-based WFDF 910 AM radio as a 7 until 9 a.m. morning host replacing former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. Radio station CEO Kevin Adell confirmed Jones' new Monday through Friday job in a brief prepared release.
“I am pleased... [to] welcome Jewell to the 910am Superstation family as the successor to Karen Weaver who did a great job during her time here at the radio station,” Adell said.
While Jones remains in his state elected position, he was stripped of all committee assignments as criminal charges mounted against him. He was also suspended from the Inkster Auxiliary Police and required to return all police equipment.
The original charges stem from Jones' April 6, 2021 arrest after police received multiple 911 calls about an erratic driver on Interstate 96. When police and state troopers arrived on the scene, they found Jones with a female companion outside his vehicle which was in a ditch at the side of the roadway. According to police reports and body cameras, Jones became belligerent and combative during the encounter and refused to provide identification, instead threatening officers with calling the governor. Police reported that the altercation intensified as EMTs called to the scene attempted to treat his female companion who was “unresponsive” at the scene. Jones was tased twice and pepper sprayed during attempts to subdue and arrest him. Blood tests taken hours later showed his blood alcohol level at more than twice the legal limit of .08. Officers also observed a loaded handgun in plain sight on the vehicle console.
Following multiple violations of his bond conditions, including attempts to tamper with an ankle alcohol monitor, Jones' bond was revoked by the court and he was remanded to the Livingston County Jail. During intake procedures, officers discovered a handcuff key taped to the bottom of his foot, resulting in additional felony charges.
In his social media announcement of his new radio job, Jones implied the 2-hour broadcast might offer listeners an opportunity to offer opinions.
“I once heard a wise man say, if you get knocked down, fall on your back, 'cause if you can look up, you can get up! And I'll be getting up every morning, Monday thru Friday, from 7am to 9am (sic) to share a piece of my mind, and give you a chance to share a piece of yours,” Jones said in an announcement post to Instagram.
Jones' attorney, former Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen said the expungement of the felony charges was important to his client. He said he advised Jones to take advantage of the opportunity to tell his story.
“To plead guilty to two felonies, but they never hit your record when you successfully complete probation, not to have a felony record is important, especially for somebody like him who may still be interested in politics, who knows what he does,” Nolen said.
