Major Blow to Michigan Prosecution: Judge Dismisses 'Fake Elector' Felony Charges

In a significant legal development that reverberates through the ongoing debate surrounding the 2020 presidential election, a Michigan judge has dismissed all felony charges against 15 individuals accused of serving as 'fake electors' for former President Donald Trump. This decision marks a substantial setback for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, which brought the charges last summer amidst intense scrutiny.

District Court Judge Celeste Bell of Lansing ruled that the prosecution failed to establish proper venue, meaning the alleged crimes, if they occurred, did not take place in Ingham County, where the charges were filed.

The judge emphasized that the specific alleged criminal acts – including forging documents and falsely claiming to be legitimate electors – were said to have occurred in the Michigan state Capitol building, which is located in Ingham County. However, the prosecution argued the conspiracy itself was formed and continued in Ingham County, which Judge Bell found insufficient for proper jurisdiction.

The 15 defendants, including the former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Meshawn Maddock, and former Republican National Committeewoman Kathy Berden, were each facing eight felony counts.

These charges included forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, and publishing a false document. Each count carried potential prison sentences ranging from five to 14 years.

Judge Bell’s ruling does not address the merits of the allegations themselves, nor does it exonerate the defendants from the claims they unlawfully attempted to subvert the election results.

Instead, it centers purely on a procedural legal point: where the alleged criminal acts could be legitimately prosecuted. The judge stated that while the Attorney General's office is based in Ingham County, the alleged criminal conduct – the actual presentation of false electoral votes – occurred in the Capitol building, not the AG's offices.

Attorney General Nessel's office has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling.

A spokesperson for the office stated that they fundamentally disagree with the court's decision and believe that the charges were properly brought in Ingham County. This signals a continuation of the legal battle, potentially shifting the focus to a higher court where the jurisdictional argument will be re-evaluated.

The case stemmed from a gathering on December 14, 2020, where 16 Republicans met in the Michigan Capitol and signed documents falsely declaring themselves as the state's legitimate presidential electors, despite Joe Biden having won Michigan by over 154,000 votes.

These documents were then transmitted to Congress and the National Archives, mirroring similar efforts in other swing states as part of a broader strategy to challenge the election outcome.

One defendant, James Renner, had previously struck a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to cooperate in exchange for his charges being reduced.

However, with the outright dismissal of the case against the other 15, the implications for Renner's agreement and any future prosecution efforts remain unclear. This ruling introduces significant uncertainty into the legal landscape for those involved in similar 'fake elector' schemes nationwide, potentially setting a precedent for jurisdictional challenges.