Michigan Election Scandal Leads to Convictions for Forgery
In a significant development for Michigan’s political landscape, two individuals were found guilty of forgery and related charges linked to a scandal that disrupted the 2022 gubernatorial race. This controversy affected five Republican candidates, including notable figures like former Detroit police Chief James Craig and millionaire businessman Perry Johnson, who are now facing the fallout from fraudulent election petitions.
The fraudulent activities centered around fake signatures on election petitions, ultimately disqualifying these candidates from the GOP primary. However, none of the candidates were directly implicated in the fraudulent submissions. “The fraud denied millions of Michiganders a choice in the 2022 gubernatorial election,” stated Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Shawn Wilmoth and Willie Reed were convicted of operating a criminal enterprise and forgery in a case prosecuted in suburban Detroit, with their sentencing scheduled for March 18. Meanwhile, Jamie Wilmoth was acquitted of all charges.
Defense attorneys argued that the blame lay with numerous petition circulators, suggesting Shawn Wilmoth and Reed were victims of the fraud themselves. The attorney general’s office revealed that nine campaigns, including some for Detroit-area judicial positions, collectively paid over $700,000 to companies associated with Reed and Shawn Wilmoth for gathering signatures.
Candidates required 15,000 voter signatures to qualify for the Republican primary ballot. However, state election officials suspected that some signatures were fabricated in informal settings, casting doubt on the petition process’s integrity.
Following the scandal, Tudor Dixon emerged as the Republican nominee but ultimately lost the general election to incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. For further details, refer to the original report on this case and the Republican primary outcome. Additionally, learn more about the general election results.
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