The Michigan Bureau of Elections is currently investigating two complaints that accuse a sheriff’s office of breaking the law by organizing a campaign event for former President Donald Trump earlier this week.
The Michigan Secretary of State’s office has confirmed that the bureau will be conducting an investigation into the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in Howell, Michigan, and its Sheriff Michael Murphy. The investigation comes after receiving complaints regarding alleged violations of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Angela Benander, a spokesperson for the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, confirmed this information to Newsweek.
Using public resources for political purposes is considered a misdemeanor under the law.
According to Benander, she is unable to share any further details at this time. The bureau is currently conducting an investigation and will need to reach a conclusion before any additional information can be provided. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be made available to the public on the Michigan Department of State’s website.
I reached out to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office via email for comment, as reported by Newsweek.
Murphy, in a Facebook video on Monday, emphasized that Trump’s presence was not politically motivated.
“In the video, Murphy emphasized that this is a press conference and not a political event,” he stated.
Around 150 members of the press are expected to attend the event. Additionally, a select group of special guests will be present, who have been invited exclusively. The former president will be delivering a speech specifically addressing the press on the topics of safety and crime.
During the event, Murphy mentioned that a few buildings surrounding the sheriff’s office would be temporarily closed. This includes two courts and the prosecutor’s office.
During the event, the Republican nominee, Trump, delivered his speech from a podium adorned with his presidential campaign logo. As the backdrop, banners displaying the message “Make America Safe Again” were hung, while three sheriff’s office SUVs stood behind him. The Detroit Metro Times reported that several high-ranking sheriff officials were present at the event, even though it took place during their regular shifts.
The Trump campaign was reached out to via email for comment.
A number of residents took to Facebook to express their disapproval of the sheriff’s office for organizing the event, arguing that it had a political agenda.
Christopher Schrader pondered how hosting a press conference at a local government building with a candidate for Federal Office, specifically the Office of the President of the United States, could not be seen as engaging in political speech.
Juan Swan expressed his disappointment by stating, “It’s disheartening to witness the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department getting involved in a partisan political spectacle.”
Swan expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is disheartening to witness the hosting of convicted criminals under the guise of a crime lecture, which goes against the very principles of the civil service we are committed to uphold.”
According to Deborah Kellog Lewis, the incident was a clear misuse of public property and resources. She believes that it was not a legitimate press conference, but rather another chance for the felon to spread false information.
In May, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to the hush money payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, in order to keep quiet about their alleged sexual encounter. Trump maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing regarding Daniels’ allegations. According to New York state law, each count of falsifying business records is considered a class E felony, which can result in a fine and a maximum prison sentence of four years.
Legal experts have stated that it is highly improbable for Trump to receive a prison sentence for a nonviolent, first-time offense. Although his sentencing date was originally scheduled for July 11, it has been postponed until September 18.
