Prosecutors investigating individuals who allegedly sought voting equipment in Michigan after the 2020 election revealed in a court transcript that they are looking into multiple crimes across multiple counties. The ongoing probe led by D.J. Hilson, the Muskegon County prosecutor, involves nine people accused of conspiring to gain improper access to voting machines to contest former President Donald Trump’s loss to Joe Biden.
The investigation, currently centered in Oakland County, has been marked by a months-long legal battle. Hilson’s office emphasized in court filings that they are close to making a charging decision and that criminal acts have been identified in Oakland County. An affidavit from Michigan State Police detective David Geyer stated that he was leading the investigation into the unlawful possession of voting tabulators used in the 2020 election, as well as other crimes in various Michigan counties, including Oakland County.
One of the individuals under investigation, Stefanie Lambert, received letters from Hilson after which she argued that Michigan law permits anyone to possess voting tabulating machines with the consent of a clerk. Lambert’s lawyer, Michael Smith, insists that his client did nothing wrong. However, Hilson sought a court ruling on the interpretation of the law, specifically regarding undue possession of a voting tabulator.
Lambert unsuccessfully attempted to block Hilson’s request and requested a venue change to Antrim County, where investigations into alleged election fraud had taken place. However, the push to change the venue was rejected by Oakland Circuit Judge Phyllis McMillen.
The investigation gained attention when Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office disclosed details of the alleged tabulator scheme. It was reported that a group of individuals convinced officials in three counties to hand over five tabulators, which were then taken to hotels or rental properties in Oakland County. The individuals are accused of breaking into the machines, printing fake ballots, and conducting tests on the equipment.
Matt DePerno, a Republican attorney and one of the individuals under investigation, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. DePerno previously claimed that human errors in the administration of the election in Antrim County indicated hacking and flaws in voting technology. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against DePerno, stating that there was no evidence to support his claims.
The ongoing investigation raises questions about potential wrongdoing and attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether the allegations will lead to criminal charges or if the individuals being investigated will be exonerated.
