He's challenging Democrat Attorney General Dana Nessel, a lawyer from Plymouth, who has under-performed Democratic Gov. Greenlee advanced to the second round of voting ahead of other contenders Tuscola County GOP Chairman Billy Putman, J.D. And I continuously showed that throughout my career. 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.. Were good neighbors and were going to be winning elections again.. Kari Lake, a champion for election integrity and the America First Movement, has officially endorsed Matt DePerno for MI GOP Chairman. 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. (FOX 2) - Republican Matthew DePerno has conceded the race for attorney general to Dana Nessel, releasing a statement thanking voters for showing up for the candidate. State Rep. Ryan Berman is also running. Longtime GOP mega-donor Ron Weiser, a wealthy Ann Arbor businessman, opted against seeking another term as party chairman. DePerno got his law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1994. Karamo was elected as party chairwoman last month, defeating 10 other candidates including Trump-backed former attorney general candidate Matthew DePerno. She becomes the first Black person to lead the Michigan GOP. I try not to get emotional when I talk about the guy," Dernis said. "Thats what I am counting on, Greene said. Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source. As a tax attorney who worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, his legal career has been marked by discord. In his suit, DePerno said he had explained "the background of every issue identified" and "rebutted any reasonable notion of improper conduct.". He fights the fight for the little guy, and for the good guy. The guys got no ethics at all, William Buhl, a retired Van Buren County Circuit Court judge and former Republican, told Bridge. DePerno raised nearly $400,000 for an Election Fraud Defense Fund in 2020, and critics have urged him to disclose what he did with that money. I've taken on cases that people even in the media have disagreed with.. If you care about Michigan, please support our work. 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. After practicing law as a partner at a large law firm for 10 years, Matthew opened his own law practice in 2005, DePerno Law, PLLC. Matt DePerno has been dodging questions about his personal finances for years, and this is one more reason why Michiganders cant trust him to be their next AG," said Emily Trifone, deputy communications director at the Democratic Attorneys General Association. At issue was DePernos effort to remove Cass County Judge Michael Dodge from the case, arguing the judge could not be impartial because he owned property on a separate lake. All rights reserved. He fights the fight for the little guy, and for the good guy. Now calling himself a constitutional attorney, DePerno told Bridge his favorite cases are those that involve constitutional rights people who have arguments that theyve lost their rights because of government overreach.. The numbers became jumbled during the communication of the unofficial results to the county's election management system. But Democrats have slammed his continued unproven claims about fraud in the 2020 election. The Michigan Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the decision to allow Dodge to remain a judge. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been declared the winner in the race for the state's top job. The problematic initial numbers were caused by human errors: Election workers' failure to update equipment after additions to the ballot. 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 DePernos characterization of dismissal the farthest thing from the truth.. He alleged oppression of a minority shareholder and said his termination caused extreme mental anguish, emotional distress, shock and humiliation.. And the GOP-controlled Michigan Senate Oversight Committee accused DePerno of spreading "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. In a related case, involving a malpractice claim against DePerno, he argued the Kreis Enderle firm invented a claim of misconduct to deny him state unemployment benefits. However, Shepard said DePerno wants to fix "the outdated and confusing" law, which dates to the 1840s. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by 154,188 votes in Michigan. DePerno had represented an older couple Ronald and Cathleen Moffit whose home burned down in 2011. She previously worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. "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. While Nessel might be vulnerable, there remain questions two weeks before Election Day over whether DePerno was the right person to beat her and become the state's top law enforcement official. 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 . ", 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. He will have a staff of more than 500 people, and his . Lena Epstein (University of Michigan Board of Regents) - $319,210. I'll continue to write good people in on my election ballots. You can also contact us by using this form: First Name. 0:57. A judge rejected the litigation, saying her claims were "unsubstantiated" or misinterpreted Michigan election law. 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'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. Both of the final two candidates, Karamo and DePerno, had denied the results of the 2020 election: Trump's loss. 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. In 2005, DePerno launched his own law firm in Kalamazoo County, where he's practiced tax and real estate law. His experience and record of success has benefited individuals, small business, and multi-national corporations. Critics of Karamo questioned her ability to unite the party, raise money and her history of spreading unfounded conspiracy theories involving elections, porn and yoga. The secret to a good campaign is to peak at the right time," Greenlee said. About. DePerno has never been publicly disciplined by the state, according to records from the Attorney Discipline Board. Miller called it a sad day for the GOP. The probe is completely ridiculous and part of the reason DePerno decided to run for attorney general, he told Bridge, likening it "totalitarianism" since Nessel's office battled him as opposing counsel in the Antrim County case. Matt DePerno, an attorney general candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, sued the firm over his firing and denied the allegations in court. Metro Detroit lawyer Jalal J. Dallo, who practices criminal defense, said bench warrants are typically ordered when someone is supposed to appear in court but doesn't show up. New York University School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) More:The DePerno 9: Outspoken election critics tied to Michigan tabulator 'conspiracy'. Matts reports can be found at DePernoLaw.com. Kallman had hoped Greenlee would pull out an upset. DePerno, who never held elected office, rode Trumps endorsement to win the Republican Party nomination over two candidates who have served in the Legislature. DePerno holds an English degree from the University of Michigan, a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and a graduate degree in taxation from the New York University School of Law. Buhl, the retired judge who had prepared to serve as an expert witness for the Moffits legal defense team, asked the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission to investigate DePerno in 2016. 1:04. I think the party recreates itself locally. If you cant abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?. Trump, who's campaigning for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, endorsed DePerno for party chair in January. 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. They advanced to a second round before Karamo beat DePerno in the third and final vote. 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. DePerno is well-known and well-liked by many clients, but his legal career has been marked by some discord. The Michigan Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the decision to allow Dodge to remain a judge. Elissa Slotkin announces bid to succeed Debbie Stabenow. All (DePerno) was interested in was generating fees for himself and protecting his way to collect it, Buhl said. A year later, with the fire reimbursement case seemingly resolved, DePerno presented the Moffits with a $109,879 check from their insurer $13,421 less than the original payment offered three years prior and a $137,779.38 bill for his legal services, according to the malpractice lawsuit. 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. State Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, has been an outspoken DePerno supporter. But he told Bridge he cannot discuss details because of a confidential settlement. An incumbent attorney general hasn't lost reelection in Michigan since 1954. A court filing showed the bench warrant was stamped "canceled" on May 6, 2021. New York University School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) The sheriff's office this week didn't provide a response to questions about the warrant. 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. "I can't answer that question," the lawyer said. LaBrant labeled DePerno a "fool" with a "checkered past.". Hes helped a Portage high school studentrejoin the tennis teamafter she had been kicked off following an illegal search of her car that revealed remnants of marijuana, DePerno said. The two have been married for over 26 years and raised three children together. "I've been doing this for 25 years," DePerno said of his legal background. Whitmer" for her nursing home policies. He 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 Michigan. Incredibly, the appeals court noted, DePerno made the following analogy: lets assume a Judge was raped. Aug. 15:Report: Trump allies sought election data in Antrim, Wayne countiesApril 23:Michigan GOP endorses Trump favorites DePerno, Karamo at conventionApril 21:DePerno loses another bid for Antrim County audit as court dismisses appealApril 12:Trump favorite Matt DePerno back in court, seeks another Antrim County audit. He moved to Kalamazoo Michigan in 1995 after law school, where he currently resides with his wife of 25 years, Laura and their two dogs Toby and Kodak. But in the 32 months that followed, DePerno launched a campaign for attorney general, won the Republican Party's nomination and poured $130,000 of his own money into his bid, representing about 13% of his total fundraising. 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. Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. The Protect the People political action committee called him a "corrupt lawyer" in one of its ads in recent days. She has repeatedly made unproven and false claims about Michigan's voting system. They've raised concerns about Dominion Voting Systems, the equipment used in Antrim County. He cut his teeth as a tax attorney in southwest Michigan but eventually expanded his Portage-based practice. CONTACT. Matthew and his team captured forensic images of the Dominion Voting machines and conducted forensic analyses of those images to fully understand the errors and inconsistencies in the voting process and tabulation procedures prior to, during, and after the 2020 general election. "We tried to plot our strategy that way. Nessel's office began its investigation in February, before DePerno was her opponent. 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.. Elections 2022. 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. 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. DePerno has also represented George Dernis, an Illinois businessman who's been in a years-long legal battle involving property in Michigan. Getting Trumps endorsement was huge for DePernos campaign. DePerno is a leading advocate for a forensic audit of the 2020 election. The sides eventually settled out of court in 2008. The special prosecutor, D.J. Bob LaBrant, a longtime Republican lawyer who previously worked for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said he cast his absentee ballot for Nessel this fall. One of DePerno's Republican convention opponents in the spring, Leonard, called on DePerno to detail what happened with the money in March. As DePerno worked on the 2020 election, his law office's website linked to a fundraising page that brought in nearly $400,000. "That would be a privileged question.". 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. DePerno took on "several cases regarding the unconstitutional nature of these lockdowns and mandates.". 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. 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. That happens all the time, and then things are resolved.. 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. During her remarks on Saturday, Karamo said she refused to concede her 615,000-vote loss to Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson because the election was a "fraudulent process." 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. DePerno, 53, is a Portage-based attorney who primarily works on tax cases and worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. Matt DePerno, an attorney general candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, sued the firm over his firing and denied the allegations in court. A lawyer by trade, DePerno rose to political prominence challenging the 2020 presidential election results and spearheading a lawsuit over the vote in northern Michigan's Antrim County. Him and I had discussions as to whether I should run, DePerno said. He has been defending America's constitutional civil liberties for over 25 years. Vote DePerno. 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Asked about that, Castiglia countered that people "are getting sick of the doomsday Dem approach. Who's in, out of race? 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. Recently, in an election of national significance, a Donald Trump-backed candidate was easily bested in his quest to lead the Michigan Republican Party, a state considered pivotal for control of both the Senate and the presidency in 2024. DePernos biggest claim to fame has been his efforts to find evidence that fraud cost Trump the election. All rights reserved. And in a new sign of former President Donald Trump's diminishing influence, the women beat the Trump-endorsed ticket of Matt DePerno and Garrett Soldano to replace MAGA loyalist Meshawn Maddock and establishment fundraiser Ron Weiser. 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. 2 min read. Industrious Republican. Getting Trumps endorsement was huge for DePernos campaign. While the case was ultimately settled, what he saw in pre-trial hearings was abhorrent, Buhl told Bridge Michigan. If Matthew DePerno wins his race to unseat Michigan's Democratic attorney general in November, he'll become the state's top lawyer. Karamo's election as state party chair marks the first time in state history that both the Michigan Republican and Democratic parties are chaired by Black women. 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. He has a wife and three children. 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. I've taken on tough cases. Michigan GOP delegates chose ex-President Donald Trump's candidates for attorney general, Matthew DePerno, and secretary of state, Kristina Karamo. But he never did, the Moffits attorney alleged in the malpractice suit. 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." DePerno formed his campaign committee to run for attorney general 12 days later, on July 14, 2021. I think were going to focus on local issues, Wilk said. 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. The people of MIchigan are tired of the rising crime, threats to parental rights and an ongoing lack of trust in government. At issue was DePernos effort to remove Cass County Judge Michael Dodge from the case, arguing the judge could not be impartial because he owned property on a separate lake. 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. Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch. 2023 FOX Television Stations, The heaviest snow is behind us heading into the weekend, Snow storm shuts down Detroit Metro Airport, Power outages hit Metro Detroit hard as winter storm pounds area, WATCH - Jennifer Hammond talks with Detroit Titans guard Antoine Davis after coming up just short of the NCAA all-time scoring record, Southeast Michigan weather: The latest totals and what to expect tonight, Dead woman found tied up, wrapped in tarp in abandoned Monroe County building, sources say, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Winter storm leaves 205k DTE customers without power, dry and mild weekend ahead, MSP: Driver of crashed car fatally struck on I-96, at-fault driver without license. Ive always proven that I dont back down from anyone, he said. You must be logged in to post a comment If you can't abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?". 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. 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. 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. She said the party would focus on local issues over national politics. Another factor in his decision to run: Trump, who in July encouraged him to enter the race. 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. In at least one instance, DePerno admitted that he falsified billing to a clients account, the law firms attorney said in a court filing. 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.