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to willful neglect of duty by a public officer. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by 154,188 votes in Michigan. Lansing Matt DePerno, who lost his bid for attorney general but has been a favorite of former President Donald Trump, announced Monday that he wants to be the Michigan Republican Party's . In his original complaint, DePerno alleged he was wrongfully fired from his $110,000 job because he had raised questions about the financial operations of the firm. Show your unity and support today! Lansing Republican Matt DePerno's embrace of former President Donald Trump's unproven election fraud claims moved the Kalamazoo trial lawyer from political obscurity to the front lines. 38th State Senate Candidate for Michigan. Trump has thrown significant political weight behind DePerno, endorsing him, speaking on his behalf at aMar-A-Lago fundraiserand announcing plans to stump for him and other endorsed candidates at aMichigan rally on April 2. Matthew DePerno was born in Warren and raised in Troy, Michigan. Michigan GOP delegates chose ex-President Donald Trump's candidates for attorney general, Matthew DePerno, and secretary of state, Kristina Karamo. Matt is a native of Michigan and has been a Kalamazoo resident with his wife, Laura, since 1994 after receiving his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by 154,188 votes in Michigan. Matt attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. People have to see something worth investing in," she said, "and the party hasnt proven itself to be such.. LANSING Former President Donald Trump endorsed Kalamazoo attorney Matt DePerno on Friday in the race for chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. The COVID-19 pandemic hit Michigan weeks after the DePerno bench warrant was signed. But court records show judges have repeatedly sanctioned or complained about his courtroom conduct. Matthew DePerno, who is likely to be Republicans' nominee for attorney general in Michigan, is among a group of election deniers running for offices that have significant authority over voting. Then, on June 23, 2021, DePerno filed a motion to have the bench warrants set aside "nunc pro tunc," essentially meaning the cancellation should be retroactive to the day the warrants were issued in February 2020. Some Republicans,including political strategist John Yob, now view DePerno as their best hope to win one of Michigan's top three offices on Election Day. In his suit, DePerno said he had explained "the background of every issue identified" and "rebutted any reasonable notion of improper conduct.". But the changing tallies led to a wave of concerns and conspiracy theories about what had happened. UP First. Former state Rep. Aaron Miller, a Republican from Sturgis, said Karamo's victory indicated some Michigan Republicans want to keep losing elections. Hilson, a Democrat who was named the special prosecutor in September, continues to review the case. He has been defending America's constitutional civil liberties for over 25 years. Lena Epstein (University of Michigan Board of Regents) - $319,210. I think hed be the best to try to unify everybody," Kallman said. John Engler. "We need somebody who will go in there and stand up for the little guy," Carra said. He alleged oppression of a minority shareholder and said his termination caused "extreme mental anguish, emotional distress, shock and humiliation.". Ann Arbor Republican Matt DePerno, who's asking voters to make him Michigan's top law enforcement official on Nov. 8, faced a bench warrant for his arrest about two months before he launched his campaign for attorney general, according to court records. I've always proven that I don't back down from anyone, he said. . Gretchen Whitmer imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. If you cant abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?. On Dec. 18, Karamo released a vision for the party that included converting "'GOP-phobic youth' by transitioning schools from indoctrination to education," giving "precinct delegates control over the party" and holding Republican elected officials "accountable to using the Constitution as their measure for governing.". Hilson, hasn't yet announced a decision. The ProAssurance Casualty Company alleged DePerno made unreasonable demands of attorneys they had hired to represent him in the Moffits malpractice suit. Nessel, the Democratic attorney general, later acknowledged that her office is investigating DePerno but said she recused herself from the probe given the political implications and will appoint a special counsel if charges are warranted. Their insurance company initially offered to pay them $123,360 for personal property losses and living expenses but asked a judge to determine whether another $80,000 should go to the Moffits or the IRS, whom they owed money to, according to court filings. DePerno also transferred "his interest in the marital home" to his wife's trust for $1, according to the lawyers for The News. In May 2021, a local judge blocked DePerno's push for an "independent and nonpartisan forensic audit" in Antrim County. In an August interview, DePerno declined to say whether the money helped fund a group of "expert witnesses" who pushed to obtain and analyze voting tabulators in Michigan. He is currently representing an Ann Arbor firefighter who he said was fired for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. KALAMAZOOA Republican running to be Michigans top law enforcement official was fired from a law firm in 2005 after colleagues alleged he padded client billings for personal and professional benefit, according to court records reviewed by Bridge Michigan. Instead, the Oversight Committee urged Nesselto investigate those who have been utilizing misleading and false information about Antrim County to raise money or publicity for their own ends.. DePerno filed a lawsuit on behalf of Antrim County resident Bill Bailey, and he and his supporters claimed, without evidence, the problems were because of the technology itself. The Michigan Advance was one of the outlets denied media credentials to cover . He has claimed he wants to prosecute Nessel as well as fellow Democratic incumbents Gov. I will continue to fight like hell to restore Michigan to all it can be and I look forward to continuing this journey with you all.". Whitmer" for her nursing home policies. Weve been there for you with daily Michigan COVID-19 news; reporting on the emergence of the virus, daily numbers with our tracker and dashboard, exploding unemployment, and we finally were able to report on mass vaccine distribution. Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel, whom DePerno is hoping to unseat, and her supporters have made DePerno's efforts to undermine the 2020 presidential election and the uncertainties surrounding his finances key issues in the race to be the state's chief law enforcement officer. Greenlee, who's worked in politics for more than three decades, appeared to be gaining some level of support on Saturday. DePerno formed his campaign committee to run for attorney general 12 days later, on July 14, 2021. A Republican-led state Senate panel that spent months investigating the contest found no evidence of widespread fraud. Consumers Energy, Manchester Market partner for free community breakfast, Career partnerships expand within Manchester school district, Dance Masters of Michigan attend solo title event competition, Village establishes change of use ordinance, Environmental incentives to conservation easements: Residents learn about land management & preservation, reflecting the community of Manchester since 2013. DePerno and state Rep. Daire Rendon, R-Lake City, were part of a group accused of "gain(ing) unauthorized access and compromised tabulators" in Roscommon County, Richfield Township, Lake Township and Irving Township between March and June of 2021, state attorneys allege. "I think it's extremely problematic," Truscott told Bridge Michigan. If you can't abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?". The guys got no ethics at all, William Buhl, a retired Van Buren County Circuit Court judge and former Republican, told Bridge. A secretary at DePernos second law firm the Veritas Group said in a sworn affidavit that she had heard yelling from the conference room as he met with the Moffits. "I'll pass. DePerno lost the 2022 attorney general election to incumbent Attorney General Dana Nessel by nearly nine points. Nessel's office began its investigation in February, before DePerno was her opponent. An incumbent attorney general hasn't lost reelection in Michigan since 1954. "The tremendous GOP grassroots enthusiasm for DePerno combined with Nessel trying to shut down Line 5 and talking about a drag queen in every classroom gives DePerno the best chance to win of any Republican on the statewide ticket," said Yob, who previously advised the lawyer's campaign. The initial tallies in the Republican stronghold had Democrat Joe Biden winning by 3,260 votes with 62% of the overall total to Trump's 36%. Matthew DePerno, who is running for the Michigan Republican party's nomination for state attorney general, speaks at a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump on April 2, 2022 near. Matt DePerno, an attorney general candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, sued the firm over his firing and denied the allegations in court. DePerno told the Lansing publication Gongwer News Service that he had spoken with a sheriff who said his agency wasn't going to enforce the warrant and it became a "nonissue.". The ProAssurance Casualty Company alleged DePerno made unreasonable demands of attorneys they had hired to represent him in the Moffits malpractice suit. People get into disputes and they say things about each other in litigation, he told Bridge in a phone interview. Thus began another unexpected legal fight, as the Moffits hired a new attorney to stop the foreclosure sale and sue DePerno for legal malpractice, alleging he fought their insurer without their consent, overbilled and padded billings, including a $13,000 charge to reassemble their case file after DePerno parted ways with his law firm at the time, Veritas Group. The warrant was in place as DePerno led high-profile litigation in the weeks after the November 2020 presidential election to challenge the results in northern Michigan's Antrim County. Conservative lawyer David Kallman, whose office is based in Lansing, said DePerno has done things he doesn't agree with. He picked the fight and then billed them $130,000. DePerno also has fiercely loyal supporters who defend his legal work, including clients, who contend hed make a strong attorney general. As attorney general, youre the states chief law enforcement officer. The contraceptive prevents ovulation and does not induce an abortion. On his website he states he would declare critical race theory unconstitutional, calling it a Marxist agenda.. Putman and Glaser each got 12% on the first ballot. And when DePerno asked her to enter the room to notarize mortgage documents, the secretary said it was clear Cathy Moffit had been crying and did not want to sign the papers. But some Republicans were concerned about DePerno's track record. Nessel's office began its investigation in February, before DePerno was her opponent. About. DePerno lost to Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel by 9 percentage points in November. Campaign donors love a winner, dump Michigan GOP for Democrats after election, Turns out, young voters didnt sway 22 election in Michigan, records show, Basically broke, Michigan GOP to charge delegates to attend convention, Share the article you just read on Twitter, Share the article you just read on Facebook, Share the article you just read via email, Michigan stopped Ohio toxic waste last week, but we import waste every day, Democrats push Michigan gun reforms. DePerno was fired from one law firm, fought over client records after leaving a second firm and was accused of assaulting a client amid a fee dispute, according to court documents and transcripts reviewed by Bridge. In a recent letter to Michigan GOP precinct delegates, Trump called DePerno an incredible attorney who led the charge in calling out obvious voter fraud by suing over the election in Antrim County, where an error by the Republican clerk skewed initial results in favor of Democrat Joe Biden but was quickly corrected. "And I have had people approach me across the state, and they've asked me, 'Where did that money go?'". Kari Lake, a champion for election integrity and the America First Movement, has officially endorsed Matt DePerno for MI GOP Chairman. Taxation 1994-95 University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Matthew DePerno is an attorney who serves clients worldwide from his office in Kalamazoo Michigan, USA. during the general election campaign, but a special prosecutor is investigating him and others on allegations they illegally accessed voting machine equipment in their efforts to investigate the election. The Antrim County case made DePerno a national figure in Trumps campaign to overturn the election but prompted criticism from a Republican-led Michigan Senate panel that accused him ofmaking false claimsfor personal profit, echoing allegations that marred DePernos legal career nearly two decades earlier. DePerno committed fraud, deceit and dishonesty with regards to bogus billing, duplicate billing and write offs, in addition to other wrongful acts, his former law firm Kreis, Enderle, Calendar and Hudgins PC alleged in a 2006 legal filing. DePerno refused. She has repeatedly made unproven and false claims about Michigan's voting system. A Republican-led state Senate panel that spent months investigating the contest foundno evidence of widespread fraud. I try not to get emotional when I talk about the guy," Dernis said. Karamo, considered a favorite among the party's grassroots but viewed as divisive among the establishment, beat out former attorney general candidate Matt DePerno, 58% to 42%, in the third round of voting. Kallman had hoped Greenlee would pull out an upset. But Greene's organization changed course and endorsed DePerno earlier this month. More:The DePerno 9: Outspoken election critics tied to Michigan tabulator 'conspiracy'. DePerno worked as a partner in a law firm before opening DePerno Law Office in 2005. Courser and DePerno unsuccessfully argued audio recordings that prompted Livengood's reporting in 2015 had been improperly edited. Email. 500 Terry Francois St. SF, CA 94158. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890. As a tax attorney who worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, his legal career has been marked by discord. I'll continue to write good people in on my election ballots. Elissa Slotkin announces bid to succeed Debbie Stabenow. Matthew has published 21 legal reports based on his findings from the forensic audit. Rigas described DePerno as the person who can unite the party. Some attorneys are more challenging than others, Dodge said in an email. Ultimately, I collected the fees that were due to me, DePerno told Bridge. Matthew DePerno: What to know about Michigan GOP attorney general candidate. Matt and Laura have three wonderful children who are all current or former students at Michigan State University (MSU). Lawyers for The News attempted to collect the money from DePerno but said in court documents that DePerno transferred his interest in a 2015 Ford Flex and 2012 Ford Focus to his wife, Laura, "with actual intent to hinder, delay and/or defraud The News from collecting the amount awarded." "Petitioners have also have been in direct contact with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department to resolve the bench warrants.". DePerno, speaking with Bridge, called the assault allegation an outrageous attempt by the Moffits to avoid paying their legal bills. Buhl, the former judge, had already been retired for six years when he began observing DePernos legal work because he was asked to serve as an expert witness in the Moffits malpractice suit. Nessel, the Democratic attorney general, later acknowledged that her office is investigating DePerno but said she recused herself from the probe given the political implications and will appoint a special counsel if charges are warranted. At the end of 2020, DePerno began gaining national attention for challenging the election results in northern Michigan's Antrim County. All rights reserved. Ive taken on tough cases. ", Eric Castiglia, chairman of the Republican Party of Macomb County, said DePerno is gaining steam politically because of his focus on the "rule of law.". But six days after the Moffits refused to pay his fees, DePerno took action to try and collect: He began foreclosure proceedings to sell the Moffits new home and the land where their old home had burned down, according to court filings. The nomination wont be official until a separate August convention, but the early endorsement will allow a candidate to raise funds and campaign as the presumed nominee. Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source. "Thats what I am counting on, Greene said. Other Republican activists also lined up behind DePerno, citing his aggressive approach. He also represented former state Rep. Todd Courser in a sex scandal cover-up case, which ended with Courser pleading no contest to willful neglect of duty by a public officer. Among the questionable billings: DePerno allegedly charged the Moffits $1,024.35 to videotape a deposition that a federal magistrate had ordered him to personally pay as a sanction for obstructing an earlier deposition, coaching a witness and raising utterly meritless objections. DePerno has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and later earned law degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and New York University School of Law. Primary Election is August 2nd, 2022. Matt DePerno: Liar, Liar Pants on Fire From Plan B to the 2020 Elections, DePerno continues to lie his way through this election LANSING The Michigan Democratic Party today denounced statements made by GOP attorney general candidate Matt DePerno regarding his alleged involvement in a plot to illegally access voting tabulation machines. Trump, who has touted DePerno's legal efforts, endorsed him to be Michigan's attorney general on Sept. 16, 2021. The grievance commission can also privately admonish an attorney or place them on contractual probation, but those lighter punishments are not made public. I dont have a bad word to say about him, and other than people he grew up with and has been around his whole life, I probably got to know him better than anybody since the November election, Bailey said. "There is currently a hearing scheduled for March 12, 2020, at which time petitioners will presumably be arrested pursuant to the bench warrants," DePerno wrote. But DePernos critics say GOP delegates should take a closer look at his legal career, which reveals a series of disputes with colleagues, judges and clients. And the GOP-controlled Michigan Senate Oversight Committee accused DePerno of spreading "misleading information and illogical conclusions.". While the case was ultimately settled, what he saw in pre-trial hearings was abhorrent, Buhl told Bridge Michigan. Incredibly, the appeals court noted, DePerno made the following analogy: lets assume a Judge was raped. DePerno was able to obtain jobless assistance by presenting paperwork to the state indicating he was fired for failing to promote a harmonious relationship with the firm, not fraud. "I've been doing this for 25 years," DePerno said of his legal background. Other issues her campaign highlights includes consumer protection, protection for seniors, environmental protection, health care access, and robocall reductions. Because of the conflict of interest of investigating him, Nessel sought the appointment of a special prosecutor to decide if charges are warranted. But he never did, the Moffits attorney alleged in the malpractice suit. When Courser and DePerno sued The Detroit News over its original reporting on the sex scandal, Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Timothy Connors dismissed the case and ordered Courser and DePerno to jointly pay $79,701.63 in sanctions. "Incredibly, the appeals court noted, DePerno made the following analogy: lets assume a Judge was raped. In Ingham County, a judge overseeing Todd Coursers criminal case announced he might retire before his term ended because the headache of dealing with DePerno and the other attorneys started to eat away at him. Both of the final two candidates, Karamo and DePerno, had denied the results of the 2020 election: Trump's loss. In early August, Nessel sought a special prosecutor to consider potential charges against DePerno and eight others because of an alleged "conspiracy" to gain improper access to voting machines in Michigan.