MONROE COUNTY, Michigan — Editor's note: The video in the above player is from a previous report on Nov. 12.
Mark Brant was sworn in as Monroe County commissioner this week after winning reelection despite a federal drug conviction.
Brant was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and THC and sentenced to 18 months in prison in September. The Monroe County Clerk of Courts office told WTOL 11 Friday that Brant came into the office earlier this week and was sworn in.
Brant, who represented District 2 in Monroe County and served as chairman for the board of commissioners, resigned in October following his conviction but won reelection in November for his seat against Democratic write-in candidate Danielle Hoover.
An ad hoc Monroe County committee will review "best practices" after Brant was reelected to his seat.
The county board voted 5-3 earlier this month to form the Committee on Ethics, Transparency, and Common Sense to examine the best practices of the commission.
The committee was proposed by current chairman Randy Richardville, who took over the position after Brant resigned. It will consist of five members: a prosecutor, a former compliance officer, a previous Democratic board chairman and two current board members.
Brant's reelection also raises questions about his continued eligibility to serve. His only other opponents were write-in candidates.
Richardville said Brant serving in office is not something the board can decide and that the election commission and courts might have to determine Brant’s status, instead.
Monroe resident Steven Meyer said he wished the new committee could provide guidance when it comes to Brant's seat.
"A county commissioner serving from prison. I feel like that needs to be addressed but it evidently isn't going to be addressed," Meyer said.
Richardville said earlier this month he hopes the committee will deliver a recommendation to the board within 30 days.
The chair of the Monroe County Republican Party said the party should have nominated and campaigned for a different candidate when Brant was initially charged.