James Crumbley’s communications privileges ended for threatening messages: sheriff's office

James Crumbley’s communication privileges at the Oakland County Jail have been ended due to threatening statements he made on the phone and over email, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff's Office wouldn't say whom Crumbley is said to have threatened.

Prosecutors alluded only vaguely to the issue Thursday in court, saying Crumbley’s communication privilege needed to be halted, but did not give a reason why or specifics. Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews, who is presiding over Crumbley's involuntary manslaughter trial, signed the order Thursday to revoke Crumbley’s privileges, aside from talking to his attorney and legitimate clergy members.

Crumbley was reluctant to allow prosecutors to talk about the order on the record in court Thursday, but also did not want to agree to it. Eventually, when Matthews predicted the issue would end up in the media if discussed in open court, he agreed to the order.

“James Crumbley’s access to a telephone and electronic messaging while in the Oakland County Jail has been limited due to threatening statements he made while on the phone and in electronic messages,” according to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “His access to a phone or electronic messaging is now limited to communication with his lawyer.”

Matthews said Thursday that she has addressed this in the past with Lehman, and Lehman said she has addressed it with Crumbley.

Crumbley is facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with his son’s mass shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021. Shooter Ethan Crumbley killed Hana St. Juliana, 14, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Justin Shilling, 17, and Tate Myre, 16, and injured six other students and a teacher.

His jury trial began Tuesday and is set to continue at 9 a.m. Friday.

kberg@detroitnews.com