"I hereby tender my resignation as Prosecuting Attorney," reads a short letter from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III.
He sent it Tuesday morning, stepping down from a position he's held since 1997.
It's a move Ingham County Commissioner Bryan Crenshaw told News Ten is a step in the right direction for the County.
"Obviously, this is a sad situation. But again, his resignation brings some resolve to the situation of the uncertainty of the operation of the office going forward and I think we are moving forward at this time," he said.
Dunnings' resignation will not be effective until July 2nd.
Until then, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lisa McCormick will continue to run the office.
"She's been doing a great job in the position, but of course we do have to have a permanent prosecutor," Crenshaw said. "And, that's what the Circuit Court Judges will determine when they appoint an individual to serve the interim."
They could accept application or just choose someone. All seven judges could be involved or a committee could be formed. And, there's no specific time frame.
"It's really going to be up to them. So, there's no guidance really given in the statute. So, it'll all be at the discretion of the Circuit Court Judges," explained Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum.
Dunnings is currently seeking treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Tennessee. Court documents don't specify what for, but state he'll be there for 35 days.
In his letter, Dunnings stated he'll be out of the office on medical leave and doesn't plan to return until July 1st.
Just one day before the Interim Prosecutor will take over for him.
We called the County's Chief Judge to ask about the selection process, but she wasn't available today.
The Interim Prosecutor will run the office through Dec. 31st. Whoever is elected Prosecutor in November will take over on New Year's Day.
Three candidates have filed to run. They are Democrats Patrick O'Keefe and Brian Jackson and Republican Billie Jo O'Berry.
In his letter, Dunnings stated he will not seek re-election this November. Anyone else who plans to run has until April 19th at 4 p.m. to file for election.