But Greene's organization changed course and endorsed DePerno earlier this month. "Weve watched the Attorney Generals office and some of the positions theyve taken, and theyve been more political than legal," Greene said of Nessel's office. 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. In May 2021, a local judge blocked DePerno's push for an "independent and nonpartisan forensic audit" in Antrim County. DePerno Law Office, PLLC - Matthew DePerno Law Office The grievance commission can also privately admonish an attorney or place them on contractual probation, but those lighter punishments are not made public. About. Matt DePerno announces bid for Michigan Republican Party chair Trump had also endorsed DePerno in that . He has claimed he wants to prosecute Nessel as well as fellow Democratic incumbents Gov. Civil rights issues are a main focus of Nessel's, and she founded the Fair Michigan Foundation. GOP's AG Nominee In Michigan Pushes Election Fraud Lies While Facing In his suit, DePerno said he had explained "the background of every issue identified" and "rebutted any reasonable notion of improper conduct.". I've always proven that I don't back down from anyone, he said. Perry Johnson (Governor) - $270,000. DePerno had represented an older couple Ronald and Cathleen Moffit whose home burned down in 2011. 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. DePerno and the firm eventually reached a settlement the terms of which were not available in court documents. But he never did, the Moffits attorney alleged in the malpractice suit. DePerno got his law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1994. 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. Confused, concerned and ultimately outraged that DePerno was charging them nearly $140,000 after losing them $13,000, Ronald Moffit said he confronted DePerno over the legal bill, which led to what the couples attorney would later call battery and assault by DePerno. George Dernis, who DePerno has represented in a nearly eight-year legal battle over foreclosure of Michigan properties he'd used as collateral to purchase a grocery store, said DePerno helped guide his family through "hell and back. Two years into what had become a vicious legal fight, DePerno allegedly pressured the Moffits to sign a fee agreement that put their property mortgages up as collateral in the event they could not pay DePernos legal bills, which Buhl described as an unorthodox deal the kind of which he had never seen before. 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.". In an interview Tuesday, DePerno told Bridge he and colleagues had a dispute on where the firm was going but resolved the case with mutual satisfaction. He declined to discuss specific allegations, citing the secrecy agreement. The Michigan Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the decision to allow Dodge to remain a judge. Ive taken on cases that people even in the media have disagreed with.. All (DePerno) was interested in was generating fees for himself and protecting his way to collect it, Buhl said. The Moffits never filed a criminal complaint. In a Feb. 26, 2020, filing in the Court of Appeals, DePerno addressed the warrants facing him and his client. Matthew DePerno: What to know about Michigan GOP attorney general In 2016, Buhl filed a request asking the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission to investigate DePerno after he was accused of legal malpractice. Trump had actually won the county by 3,788 votes, 61%-37%, a 7,048-vote swing from the unofficial results. Matthew DePerno (Attorney General) - $771,799. DePerno also transferred "his interest in the marital home" to his wife's trust for $1, according to the lawyers for The News. Tyson Shepard, DePerno's campaign manager, said the candidate would enforce the state's 1931 abortion ban, which prohibits the termination of any pregnancy except if necessary to preserve the life of the mother because it's the policy on the books. "The creditor's exam was scheduled for today," Connors said in court on Feb. 7, 2020, according to a transcript. Him and I had discussions as to whether I should run, DePerno said. ", called on DePerno to detail what happened with the money, sought a special prosecutor to consider potential charges against DePerno and eight others because of an alleged "conspiracy" to gain improper access, The DePerno 9: Outspoken election critics tied to Michigan tabulator 'conspiracy', a Democrat who was named the special prosecutor in September, endorsed him to be Michigan's attorney general on Sept. 16, 2021, vowed to "investigate and prosecute Gov. 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. The sides eventually settled out of court in 2008. Forton said his decision was meant to ensure that a "grassroots-type" hopeful had a chance to win. After practicing law for a decade as a law firm partner, Matt opened the doors of his own practice, DePerno Law, PLLC, in 2005, where he has since been ardently defending Americans constitutional rights. If Matthew DePerno wins his race to unseat Michigan's Democratic attorney general in November, he'll become the state's top lawyer. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. DePerno's work with Courser led to a years-long defamation suit against The News and staff member Chad Livengood, who broke the story of Courser's affair and the lawmaker's scheme to hide it. But some Republicans were concerned about DePerno's track record. Courser, who was accused of using House staff and resources to help cover up an extra-marital affair, ultimately pleaded no contest to a charge of willful neglect of duty by a public officer, a one-year misdemeanor. Michigan GOP delegates chose ex-President Donald Trump's candidates for attorney general, Matthew DePerno, and secretary of state, Kristina Karamo. The grievance commission, the investigative arm of the Michigan Supreme Court, only makes its findings public if it authorizes formal charges against a lawyer with the state Attorney Discipline Board, which it did not do for DePerno. I honestly believe on the first vote shes going to have the most votes," Forton said in an interview on the convention floor of Karamo. Hilson, a Democrat who was named the special prosecutor in September, continues to review the case. He also has a big fan inside the Michigan Republican Party: co-chair Meshawn Maddock, who endorsed him earlier this month, an unusual move considering the party traditionally is expected to stay out of contested convention races. 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. I think hed be the best to try to unify everybody," Kallman said. While the case was ultimately settled, what he saw in pre-trial hearings was abhorrent, Buhl told Bridge Michigan. DePerno later sued the law firm, claiming breach of contract and oppression of a minority shareholder. His experience and record of success has benefited individuals, small business, and multi-national corporations. 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. Glaser of Cass County, Michael Farage of Grand Rapids Scott Aughney of Jackson County, Kent Boersma of Muskegon County and Drew Born of Kent County. Nessel's office began its investigation in February, before DePerno was her opponent. Baker didn't respond to a request for comment. Maddock called DePerno and Secretary of State hopeful Kristina Karamo the strongest candidates to address the stolen 2020 election and push for a forensic audit of the states voting in that contest. 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. A 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 tocourt recordsreviewed by Bridge Michigan. He is currently representing anAnn Arbor firefighterwho he said was fired for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The parties later settled for $20,000, which Detroit News publisher and editor Gary Miles called a message thatfrivolous lawsuitsagainst news organizations for performing their duties under the First Amendment will not be taken lightly.. That happens all the time, and then things are resolved.. In the Republican Party, the top fundraisers in the most recent semiannual reporting period were: Tudor Dixon (Governor) - $7,362,895. If you can't abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?". DePerno had padded billings, claimed excessive write offs, manipulated the firms timekeeping system and logged hours with no explanation, according to the interoffice memo prepared by Kreis Enderle administrator Mike Beam. She said in her victory speech she plans to move the state forward over the next four years. He has been defending America's constitutional civil liberties for over 25 years. Other Republican activists also lined up behind DePerno, citing his aggressive approach. DePerno called Buhls accusations total nonsense and told Bridge the matter was ultimately dismissed by the grievance commission, as it should be., While Buhl said the professional code of conduct for attorneys prohibits him from revealing results of the grievance commission investigation, he called DePerno's characterization of dismissal "the farthest thing from the truth.. Some Michigan Republicans say they are . We're not just a news organization, we're also your neighbors. Michigan AG nominee DePerno is investigated by AG's office : NPR The newspaper donated the attorney fees it recovered from DePerno to the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation. His work on an unsuccessful lawsuit challenging 2020 results in Antrim County put him on the front lines of Trumps attempt to overturn the election, and litigation involving that effort continues. 469 views. Miller called it a sad day for the GOP. Primary Election is August 2nd, 2022. Sponsor Firm: Michigan AG hopeful Matt DePerno fired over padded, false billings, 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. (Bridge photo by Jonathan Oosting). DePerno who has pushed former President Donald Trump's false claims of widespread election fraud has slammed the probe, which is now led by a special prosecutor. Kallman declined to detail the issues. Ultimately, I collected the fees that were due to me, DePerno told Bridge. Karamo defeated unsuccessful GOP attorney general candidate Matt DePerno of Kalamazoo, a fellow election denier who was endorsed in the party chair race by Trump. Regardless, voters should trust him to run the states largest and most powerful law firm the attorney generals office because he is a fighter, DePerno said. Instead, DePerno filed a counter-claim against the insurance company without the knowledge or consent of his clients, which prompted the insurer to stop its initial payment. Especially if the Judge has expressed a dislike for rapists., Kent County Circuit Court Judge Donald A. Johnston, who presided over the disqualification hearing, denied DePernos request to remove Dodge, and noted that, I dont know of any judges that have ever expressed a like for rapists.. I think the party recreates itself locally. from the New York University School of Law. Gretchen Whitmer imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. DePerno and Karamo were viewed as the favorites because they have been working with delegates for more than a year as it was the delegates who nominated them for attorney general and secretary of state last year. "Anyone who does not treat systemic election corruption commensurate with the state and national threat it is, should be disqualified from any position in party leadership," Karamo's plan said. He also represented former state Rep. Todd Courser in a sex scandal cover-up case, which ended with Courser. from New York University School of Law. Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. ", Matt DePerno's rapid rise in GOP politics mired in controversy, lawsuits, an Ann Arbor firefighter who challenged the city's COVID-19 vaccine policy, The numbers became jumbled during the communication of the unofficial results to the county's election management system, push for an "independent and nonpartisan forensic audit" in Antrim County, "misleading information and illogical conclusions. 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. "I think it's extremely problematic," Truscott told Bridge Michigan. Nessel joked about a "drag queen for every school" during an event in June. "Thank goodness that most of my cases were nothing like this one. "Dana Nessel, the Radical Left, and the RINOs (Republicans in name only) are targeting Matt because he gets results and has exposed so much voter fraud in Antrim County, and many more places, in the 2020 election," Trump said at the time. "I can't answer that question," the lawyer said. He also has a big fan inside the Michigan Republican Party: co-chair Meshawn Maddock, who endorsed him earlier this month, an unusual move considering the party traditionally is expected to stay out of contested convention races. In 2005, DePerno launched his own law firm in Kalamazoo County, where he's practiced tax and real estate law. Some attorneys are more challenging than others, Dodge said in an email. 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. Experts say there isno credible evidenceof fraud in Antrim County, and a hand recount of paper ballots later confirmed the official results showing Trump won the area with 61 percent of the vote, just shy of his 62 percent showing in 2016. Nessel defeated Republican former House Speaker Tom Leonard that year by 3 points. 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. They advanced to a second round before Karamo beat DePerno in the third and final vote. "That would be a privileged question.". I just think this guy is going to be looking for election fraud under rocks," LaBrant said. Karamo had 58% of the vote on the . Greenlee, who's worked in politics for more than three decades, appeared to be gaining some level of support on Saturday. 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. 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. And he's not afraid of what has turned into, unfortunately, a convoluted judicial system., Bill Bailey, a real estate broker who DePerno is representing in the ongoing Antrim County election appeal, called him "one of the most honest, hardworking souls I truthfully have ever met.". Robert Baker, DePerno's lawyer for a portion of the case, told the court at one point that DePerno had "virtually no assets," according to a court transcript. The settlement was complicated by another lawsuit from DePernos professional liability insurer, who sued him in an attempt to drop him and cancel his policy. The secret to a good campaign is to peak at the right time," Greenlee said. Karamo lost to Benson by 14 percentage points. to willful neglect of duty by a public officer. And the GOP-controlled Michigan Senate Oversight Committee accused DePerno of spreading "misleading information and illogical conclusions.". Industrious Republican. I have always supported Matt DePerno, said state Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia, as she entered the convention on Saturday. DePerno is considered a frontrunner for the Michigan Republican Partys nomination for attorney general, along with former state House Speaker Tom Leonard, the GOP nominee in 2018. He alleged oppression of a minority shareholder and said his termination caused extreme mental anguish, emotional distress, shock and humiliation.. 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. Jason Roe, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, said "crazy" had trumped Trump at Saturday's convention. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and an LL.M. He cut his teeth as a tax attorney in southwest Michigan but eventually expanded his Portage-based practice. She previously worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. The Oak Park educator and conservative activist will take the reins months after the Michigan GOP in November lost long-held majorities in the House and Senate and lost races seeking to oust the incumbent Democratic governor, secretary of state and attorney general. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper, who resigned from the state House after he attempted to cover up an extramarital affair with a fellow lawmaker, told the Lansing publication Gongwer News Service that he had spoken with a sheriff. Repeating the Big Lie is dangerous and presents a very serious threat to our democracy," said Lavora Barnes, chairwoman of the Michigan Democrat Party, in April. "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. He fights the fight for the little guy, and for the good guy. DePerno has also said he supports and would enforce the states 1931 ban on abortion. DePerno is a leading advocate for a forensic audit of the 2020 election. The warrant was recalled when DePerno and The News reached a $20,000 settlement in May 2021. Exclusive: Trump-backed Michigan attorney general candidate - Reuters Chaos And Conspiracies: 12 Hours At A GOP Convention That Handed Trump Conservative lawyer David Kallman, whose office is based in Lansing, said DePerno has done things he doesn't agree with. Nessel campaign spokeswoman Sarah Stevenson said the incumbent would provide hers if DePerno provided his. The people of MIchigan are tired of the rising crime, threats to parental rights and an ongoing lack of trust in government. "Matthew DePerno showed up the day after the election, using our president's name, taking nearly $400,000 from every one of you," Leonard said during a debate in Oakland County. DePerno lost the 2022 attorney general election to incumbent Attorney General Dana Nessel by nearly nine points. "He will never give up, and thats why they absolutely cannot stand him.". On February 20, 2014, Mr. DePerno physically grabbed (me) by the shirt and informed me that if I did not immediately pay the attorney fees owed that my wife and I would lose our home in a matter of weeks, Ronald Moffit, who died in 2019, said in hissworn affidavit. "Although we didn't emerge victorious tonight, I believe we sent a strong message to Lansing. And DePerno later sued their attorney unsuccessfully for defamation. Matthew DePerno: Trump-backed GOP candidate for Michigan AG under - CNN $400,000 for an Election Fraud Defense Fund in 2020, and critics have urged him to disclose what he did with that money. Trump endorses Michigan election challenger DePerno for attorney general 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. 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. Matthew DePerno for Attorney General State Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, has been an outspoken DePerno supporter. The March 12, 2020, hearing was eventually canceled, according to court records. He went on to repeatedly appear in Antrim County court to challenge the November 2020 election results while the warrant was in place. ", 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.". Beginningin June 1995, he practiced at Kreis, Enderle, Callander & Hudgins, but he had a falling out with the firm, which accused him of "acts of fraud and dishonesty" and alleged he "padded" his billable hours. Before the November election, she unsuccessfully sued and asked a judge to require residents of Detroit, Michigan's largest city, to vote in person or obtain their ballots in person at the clerk's office. People have to see something worth investing in," she said, "and the party hasnt proven itself to be such.. DePerno formed his campaign committee to run for attorney general 12 days later, on July 14, 2021. But he told Bridge he cannot discuss details because of a confidential settlement. I'll continue to write good people in on my election ballots. 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. Matt attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a tax attorney who worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, his legal career has been marked by discord. That happens all the time, and then things are resolved.. Getting Trumps endorsement was huge for DePernos campaign. He picked the fight and then billed them $130,000. Greene once tweeted that DePerno would be an "unmitigated disaster." John Engler. 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%. Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source. DePerno is best known for defending former state Rep. Todd Courser after a 2015 sex scandal cover up and challenging Antrim County election results in a failed lawsuit that spawned ongoing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Login. 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. Could that Judge then rule on rape cases, or would that create a bias for the Judge? In a statement, Tyson Shepard, DePerno's campaign manager, said the campaign is focused on issues affecting people across Michigan instead of "washed-out stories from years and years ago.". The top fundraisers among Michigan statewide elected offices His wife, Laura, is a registered nurse and has experience in medical/surgical, transplant, cardiology, outpatient oncology, and trauma critical care. Matthew DePerno for Attorney General Home About Platform Volunteer State Convention Delegate DONATE 517-618-9655 Team@Depernoformi.com 3105 S Martin Luther King Blvd #104 Lansing, MI 48910 Matt's Plan To Fix the Michigan GOP FILL EVERY PRECINCT DELEGATE SLOT In April, we the people pulled off a HUGE win. Anthony DePerno, 21, is majoring in Supply Chain Management at MSU and is expected to graduate this Spring, 2022. DePerno skyrocketed to fame in conservative circles in the aftermath of the 2020 election, alleging voting machines were compromised because unofficial results were skewed toward President Joe Biden before they were corrected. While the Kries Enderle law firm and DePerno both declined to discuss his contentious departure given their confidential settlement agreement, DePerno downplayed the acrimonious split in general terms. And in early 2022, state Rep. Ryan Berman of Commerce Township, who previously ran for attorney general as a Republican against DePerno, said DePerno's "skeletons have skeletons. State Rep. Ryan Berman is also running. Matthew DePerno: What to know about Michigan GOP attorney general candidate. 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. 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..
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