For the 53-year-old attorney's detractors, he's a threat to democracy with a questionable professional record that includes an ongoing state criminal investigation into a scheme to access voting tabulators. All rights reserved. Could that Judge then rule on rape cases, or would that create a bias for the Judge? 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. ", We're not just a news organization, we're also your neighbors. The situation also became a focus of attacks this year against DePerno. DePerno and the firm eventually reached a settlement the terms of which were not available in court documents. Greenlee advanced to the second round of voting ahead of other contenders Tuscola County GOP Chairman Billy Putman, J.D. "Were going to win.. Both of the final two candidates, Karamo and DePerno, had denied the results of the 2020 election: Trump's loss. DePerno had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Matt DePerno has earned the endorsement of the Michigan Republican Party to take on incumbent Democrat Dana Nessel in November. Some Republicans voiced frustration and uncertainty about the partys direction Saturday. Matts reports can be found at DePernoLaw.com. The guys got no ethics at all, William Buhl, a retired Van Buren County Circuit Court judge and former Republican, told Bridge. 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. Samantha DePerno, 19, began her sophomore year at MSU this past Fall, 2021. As attorney general, youre the states chief law enforcement officer. DePerno lost the 2022 attorney general election to incumbent Attorney General Dana Nessel by nearly nine points. And DePerno later sued their attorney unsuccessfully for defamation. Greenlee, who's worked in politics for more than three decades, appeared to be gaining some level of support on Saturday. Gaining unauthorized access to voting machines is a felony in Michigan. "They are not here. His clients included former state Rep. Todd Courser, a Lapeer area Republican who was accused of misusing taxpayer dollars to cover up an affair, and Tim Rugg, an Ann Arbor firefighter who challenged the city's COVID-19 vaccine policy. DePerno denied many of the accusations but eventually negotiated a settlement with the Moffits, whose attorney declined to discuss terms of the deal. Election Integrity Based. DePerno is a leading advocate for a forensic audit of the 2020 election. "Petitioners have also have been in direct contact with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department to resolve the bench warrants.". DePerno, who had worked with the Moffits on tax issues in the past, allegedly convinced the couple he could negotiate with the IRS. 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. Before the 2020 campaign, DePerno was most known for representing Courser, a Lapeer area Republican who resigned from the state House after he attempted to cover up an extramarital affair with a fellow lawmaker, and for challenging election results in northern Michigan's Antrim County. 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. 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. Who's in, out of race? You must be logged in to post a comment Email. But the litigation created four volumes of records at the Kalamazoo County clerk's office. 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. Lena Epstein (University of Michigan Board of Regents) - $319,210. He fights the fight for the little guy, and for the good guy. State Rep. Ryan Berman is also running. Dernis labeled DePerno a person of integrity. 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. 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. from the New York University School of Law. Democratic Gov. 2 min read. Kari Lake, a champion for election integrity and the America First Movement, has officially endorsed Matt DePerno for MI GOP Chairman. 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. 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. 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. I think the party recreates itself locally. 0:57. I just think this guy is going to be looking for election fraud under rocks," LaBrant said. LaBrant labeled DePerno a "fool" with a "checkered past.". ", Karamo dismissed concerns about declining donations to the state party, saying thats going to change right away.. While the case was ultimately settled, what he saw in pre-trial hearings was abhorrent, Buhl told Bridge Michigan. 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. In at least one instance, DePerno admitted that he falsified billing to a clients account, the law firms attorney said in a court filing. "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. All (DePerno) was interested in was generating fees for himself and protecting his way to collect it, Buhl said. Michigan GOP precinct delegates will vote to endorse a candidate at an April 23 convention that will decide the partys de facto nominee to take on Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel in November. People get into disputes and they say things about each other in litigation, he told Bridge in a phone interview. "Although we didn't emerge victorious tonight, I believe we sent a strong message to Lansing. Matthew S. DePerno, Esq. If you cant abide by the laws and the rules, how do you have the moral authority to prosecute criminals?. He has been defending America's constitutional civil liberties for over 25 years. 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. The March 12, 2020, hearing was eventually canceled, according to court records. His wife, Laura, is a registered nurse and has experience in medical/surgical, transplant, cardiology, outpatient oncology, and trauma critical care. The office of Dana Nessel, the Michigan attorney general, said that Matthew DePerno and other people had persuaded local clerks in three counties to hand over election equipment. (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. I think hed be the best to try to unify everybody," Kallman said. 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, to whom they owed money, according to court filings. "I have been told to stop talking about America first values. 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. DePerno also has fiercely loyal supporters who defend his legal work, including clients, who contend hed make a strong attorney general. The special prosecutor, D.J. 62. Were good neighbors and were going to be winning elections again.. In his suit, DePerno said he had explained "the background of every issue identified" and "rebutted any reasonable notion of improper conduct.". Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source. It just screams out: This is why people hate lawyers. We dont need this in our profession.. 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. DePerno later sued the law firm, claiming breach of contract and oppression of a minority shareholder. For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive. 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. . 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.. It's unclear why DePerno was never arrested. Those allegations, contained in never-before-reported documents out of Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, were only made public because DePerno sued the firm in an attempt to cash out his shares and transfer the lease on a company vehicle that was repossessed after his firing. 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. She said the party would focus on local issues over national politics. DePerno has never been publicly disciplined by the state, according to records from the Attorney Discipline Board. Will you please support our nonprofit newsroom? Ironically, DePerno, who was a fierce opponent of the 2020 election results and consistently denied their outcome, conceded the race for attorney general prior to it being called by media outlets. I've always proven that I don't back down from anyone, he said. Greenlee said Republicans were responding to his message of activating and engaging the delegates. DePerno, 53, is a Portage-based attorney who primarily works on tax cases and worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. 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. 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. DePerno, 53, is a Portage-based attorney who primarily works on tax cases and worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. 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. The sheriff's office this week didn't provide a response to questions about the warrant. Subject. 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. LANSING Former President Donald Trump endorsed Kalamazoo attorney Matt DePerno on Friday in the race for chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. Getting Trumps endorsement was huge for DePernos campaign. DePerno wasnt paying attention in first grade when he was told how to behave himself, Magistrate Joseph Scoville said in announcing the sanctions at a May 2012 hearing, according to a transcript reviewed by Bridge. Hes helped a Portage high school student rejoin the tennis team after she had been kicked off following an illegal search of her car that revealed remnants of marijuana, DePerno said. DePerno, 53, is a Portage-based attorney who primarily works on tax cases and worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. Asked about that, Castiglia countered that people "are getting sick of the doomsday Dem approach. Kallman had hoped Greenlee would pull out an upset. Last Name. 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. You can also contact us by using this form: First Name. Republican activists across Michigan will soon gather to select the next leader of the Michigan GOP.The decision will help decide the future of the Republican Party after a midterm election that . 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. Matt DePerno, a Republican candidate for Michigan attorney general, has appeared at Capitol rallies calling for a "forensic audit" of the 2020 presidential election. 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. People need to see a competent party, Karamo said. But court records show judges have repeatedly sanctioned or complained about his courtroom conduct. 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. At the end of 2020, DePerno began gaining national attention for challenging the election results in northern Michigan's Antrim County. Greene once tweeted that DePerno would be an "unmitigated disaster." 1:04. New York University School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) After leaving that role, she opened her own law firm. Leave us a message. 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. They've raised concerns about Dominion Voting Systems, the equipment used in Antrim County. But court records show judges have repeatedly sanctioned or complained about his courtroom conduct. Other issues her campaign highlights includes consumer protection, protection for seniors, environmental protection, health care access, and robocall reductions. The secret to a good campaign is to peak at the right time," Greenlee said. 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. Lansing Kristina Karamo, who lost her secretary of state race by 14 percentage points but refused to concede, will lead the Michigan Republican Party following an 11-hour convention and three rounds of voting Saturday at the Lansing Center. And I think were peaking.". The Moffits never filed a criminal complaint. Trump had also endorsed DePerno in that . Industrious Republican. DePerno and Courser couldn't pay the amount, they argued in court. However, Democrats overperformed in many of their races, polls have consistently shown. Taxation 1994-95 University of Detroit Mercy School of Law The probe is completely ridiculous and part of the reason DePerno decided to run for attorney general, he told Bridge, likening it totalitarianism since Nessels office battled him as opposing counsel in the Antrim County case. 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. Login. Last weekend, Democrats reelected Lavora Barnes to a third term as chairwoman of the Michigan Democratic Party. 38th State Senate Candidate for 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.. People get into disputes and they say things about each other in litigation, he told Bridge in a phone interview.