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A judge rejected the litigation, saying her claims were "unsubstantiated" or misinterpreted Michigan election law. Trump had also endorsed DePerno in that . DePerno has also represented George Dernis, an Illinois businessman who's been in a years-long legal battle involving property in Michigan. "And yet, here I am running for attorney general to restore integrity, justice and morality in Michigan.. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by 154,188 votes in Michigan. DePerno had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. "He will never give up, and thats why they absolutely cannot stand him.". In another suit, the Michigan Court of Appeals dismissed a DePerno request to disqualify a judge from a lawsuit involving lakefront property easement, and highlighted an unusual comparisonDePerno had made in a 2015 court hearing. Michigan AG nominee DePerno is investigated by AG's office : NPR Elissa Slotkin announces bid to succeed Debbie Stabenow. 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. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement. DePerno committed fraud, deceit and dishonesty with regards to bogus billing, duplicate billing and write offs, in addition to other wrongful acts, his former law firm Kreis, Enderle, Calendar and Hudgins PC alleged in a 2006 legal filing. 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. DePerno has never been publicly disciplined by the state, according to records from the Attorney Discipline Board. Industrious Republican. ", We're not just a news organization, we're also your neighbors. However, Democrats overperformed in many of their races, polls have consistently shown. DePerno got his law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1994. That happens all the time, and then things are resolved.. In another suit, the Michigan Court of Appeals dismissed a DePerno request to disqualify a judge from a lawsuit involving lakefront property easement, and highlighted an unusual comparison DePerno had made in a 2015 court hearing. 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. But court records show judges have repeatedly sanctioned or complained about his courtroom conduct. DePerno, who had worked with the Moffits on tax issues in the past, allegedly convinced the couple he could negotiate with the IRS. 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. The people of MIchigan are tired of the rising crime, threats to parental rights and an ongoing lack of trust in government. 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 2016, Buhlfiled a requestasking the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission to investigate DePerno after he was accused of legal malpractice. Jason Roe, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, said "crazy" had trumped Trump at Saturday's convention. People get into disputes and they say things about each other in litigation, he told Bridge in a phone interview. 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 picked the fight and then billed them $130,000. "Mr. DePerno has received calls from the sheriff's deputy that's going to come and try to execute writs of execution, I guess, on his office furniture and supplies," Baker said during a Jan. 16, 2020, court hearing. 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. The parties later settled for $20,000, which Detroit News publisher and editor Gary Miles called a message that frivolous lawsuits against news organizations for performing their duties under the First Amendment will not be taken lightly.. It just screams out: This is why people hate lawyers. We dont need this in our profession.. Thanks for submitting! It was also in place as DePerno met on Jan. 6, 2021, with staff for then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the election, a convening he has acknowledged on a Republican group's candidate questionnaire. But DePernos critics say GOP delegates should take a closer look at his legal career, which reveals a series of disputes with colleagues, judges and clients. "Someone had to step up and take charge of what was happening. 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 . 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If you care about Michigan, please support our work. After her election Saturday night, Karamo told The Detroit News her first priority as party chair is to grow the party with everyday residents and individuals in areas weve never penetrated, especially in urban America." But it leaves him running to. A year ago this month, DePerno stood on the steps of the state Capitol in front of a banner that told people to "demand a forensic audit" of the November 2020 election. "We look forward to having a Republican Party that shows Michiganders that were here to serve. 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. 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. 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.. 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. DePerno is well-known and well-liked by many clients, but his legal career has been marked by some discord. 0:57. Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source. Greenlee, who's worked in politics for more than three decades, appeared to be gaining some level of support on Saturday. 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. 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. Kari Lake, a champion for election integrity and the America First Movement, has officially endorsed Matt DePerno for MI GOP Chairman. DePerno committed fraud, deceit and dishonesty with regards to bogus billing, duplicate billing and write offs, in addition to other wrongful acts, his former law firm Kreis, Enderle, Calendar and Hudgins PC alleged in a 2006 legal filing. 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 wins GOP attorney general race after runoff; Karamo wins SOS 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. And DePerno later sued their attorney unsuccessfully for defamation. Matthew DePerno for Attorney General 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 his sworn affidavit. Aug 7 (Reuters) - The Republican nominee for Michigan attorney general led a team that gained unauthorized access to voting equipment while hunting for evidence to support former President. The warrant was in place as DePerno led high-profile litigation in the weeks after the November 2020 presidential election to challenge the results in northern Michigan's Antrim County. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for "for all the damage they have done" in office. Then, on June 23, 2021, DePerno filed a motion to have the bench warrants set aside "nunc pro tunc," essentially meaning the cancellation should be retroactive to the day the warrants were issued in February 2020. 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." CONTACT. DePerno is a workaholic who goes to great lengths for his clients and is like an encyclopedia of law and the Constitution, Bailey told Bridge. DePerno is well-known and well-liked by many clients, but his legal career has been marked by some discord. The guys got no ethics at all, William Buhl, a retired Van Buren County Circuit Court judge and former Republican, told Bridge. Gretchen Whitmer also won another term with Democrats taking control of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. 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. Home | Matt DePerno Where Michigan attorney general foes Dana Nessel and Matthew DePerno stand. But Democrats have slammed his continued unproven claims about fraud in the 2020 election. Trump had actually won the county by 3,788 votes, 61%-37%, a 7,048-vote swing from the unofficial results. Were good neighbors and were going to be winning elections again.. But court records show law firm colleagues confronted DePerno in October 2005 and presented him with evidence detailed in a confidential memo included in public filings, along with 190 pages of internal billing documents. 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. 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. Forton endorsed Karamo before the first round of voting. 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. People have to see something worth investing in," she said, "and the party hasnt proven itself to be such.. UP First. Getting Trumps endorsement was huge for DePernos campaign. 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. Matthew Wilk of Northville said Republicans cant rely on the state party to do things the state GOP used to do. In at least one instance, DePerno admitted that he falsified billing to a clients account, the law firms attorney said in a court filing. A Republican-led state Senate panel that spent months investigating the contest foundno evidence of widespread fraud. For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper, DePerno said of the last presidential election. He is currently representing anAnn Arbor firefighterwho he said was fired for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The Protect the People political action committee called him a "corrupt lawyer" in one of its ads in recent days. But the changing tallies led to a wave of concerns and conspiracy theories about what had happened. I will issue bench warrants.". The special prosecutor, D.J. 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. The News asked DePerno and Nessel to release their most recent tax returns. See also: Michigan Attorney General election, 2022 Subject. I've taken on cases that people even in the media have disagreed with.. DePerno has begun to pivot to other issues 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. Taxation 1994-95 University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Matthew DePerno - Ballotpedia The Michigan Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the decision to allow Dodge to remain a judge. I dont have a bad word to say about him, and other than people he grew up with and has been around his whole life, I probably got to know him better than anybody since the November election, Bailey said. Perry Johnson (Governor) - $270,000. DePerno has called Nessel's allegations garbage and said she's using the investigatory powers of her office for political purposes. 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. Both of the final two candidates, Karamo and DePerno, had denied the results of the 2020 election: Trump's loss. Nov 2. Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by 154,188 votes in Michigan. 1:04. Courser and DePerno unsuccessfully argued audio recordings that prompted Livengood's reporting in 2015 had been improperly edited. DePerno refused. 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. Leave us a message. 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. DePerno has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and later earned law degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and New York University School of Law. DePerno, speaking with Bridge, called the assault allegation an outrageous attempt by the Moffits to avoid paying their legal bills. According to unofficial results, Nessel leads DePerno by 300,000 votes - about 7 points. 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. And I continuously showed that throughout my career. Matthew S. DePerno, Esq. (@mdeperno) / Twitter Thank goodness that most of my cases were nothing like this one.. But he told Bridge he cannot discuss details because of a confidential settlement. Kristina Karamo (Secretary of State) - $796,022. Whitmer" for her nursing home policies. 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. I have fought to try to vindicate President Trump when no one else would., Doing the right thing doesnt always make you popular," DePerno added moments later. 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. You can also contact us by using this form: First Name. Last Name. Ive taken on cases that people even in the media have disagreed with.. John Engler. The top fundraisers among Michigan statewide elected offices As he's campaigned for attorney general, DePerno vowed to "investigate and prosecute Gov. Will you please support our nonprofit newsroom? "I can't answer that question," the lawyer said. 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. Feb 10 Don't miss our Pre-Convention Rally with President Donald Trump THIS MONDAY! 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. Two attorneys quit, saying they could not represent DePerno without violating the canons of ethics. So DePerno represented himself, an unorthodox move the liability insurer asked a court to stop before also agreeing to a settlement with DePerno. 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. Kristina Karamo, who refused to concede her 14-point loss for secretary of state in 2022, beat former attorney general candidate Matt DePerno, who had Trump's endorsement, in three rounds of . "The tremendous GOP grassroots enthusiasm for DePerno combined with Nessel trying to shut down Line 5 and talking about a drag queen in every classroom gives DePerno the best chance to win of any Republican on the statewide ticket," said Yob, who previously advised the lawyer's campaign. But he never did, the Moffits attorney alleged in the malpractice suit. 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. They need to see a well-organized party. 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. His experience and record of success has benefited individuals, small business, and multi-national corporations. DePerno took on "several cases regarding the unconstitutional nature of these lockdowns and mandates.". I think its extremely problematic, Truscott told Bridge Michigan. "They don't make guys like him anymore. Consumers Energy, Manchester Market partner for free community breakfast, Career partnerships expand within Manchester school district, Dance Masters of Michigan attend solo title event competition, Village establishes change of use ordinance, Environmental incentives to conservation easements: Residents learn about land management & preservation, reflecting the community of Manchester since 2013. "Some attorneys are more challenging than others," Dodge said in an email. Could that Judge then rule on rape cases, or would that create a bias for the Judge? He cut his teeth as a tax attorney in southwest Michigan but eventually expanded his Portage-based practice. Matthew DePerno (Attorney General) - $771,799. That happens all the time, and then things are resolved.. Hes also suggested banning Plan B, an emergency contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy if taken within three days of having unprotected sex. 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. Karamo had 58% of the vote on the . A Republican-led state Senate panel that spent months investigating the contest found no evidence of widespread fraud. "Thank goodness that most of my cases were nothing like this one. Contact - DePerno Law Office, PLLC @mdeperno. On Saturday morning, Macomb County Republican Chairman Mark Forton dropped out of the state chair race, leaving nine remaining candidates. 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. 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. But Greene's organization changed course and endorsed DePerno earlier this month. 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.". The Moffits never filed a criminal complaint. 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, 53, is a Portage-based attorney who primarily works on tax cases and worked primarily in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. 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 DePerno, an attorney general candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, sued the firm over his firing and denied the allegations in court. Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch. But he told Bridge he cannot discuss details because of a confidential settlement. Karamo was elected as party chairwoman last month, defeating 10 other candidates including Trump-backed former attorney general candidate Matthew DePerno. Trump has thrown significant political weight behind DePerno, endorsing him, speaking on his behalf at a Mar-A-Lago fundraiser and announcing plans to stump for him and other endorsed candidates at a Michigan rally on April 2. Show your unity and support today! 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. 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. A fighter or a threat? Matt DePerno could be Michigan's next attorney "I don't have a bad word to say about him, and other than people he grew up with and has been around his whole life, I probably got to know him better than anybody since the November election," Bailey said. It was a "trick," DePerno told the state Court of Appeals on Feb. 26, 2020. In May 2021, a local judge blocked DePerno's push for an "independent and nonpartisan forensic audit" in Antrim County. 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. Matt DePerno, a Republican candidate for Michigan attorney general, has appeared at Capitol rallies calling for a "forensic audit" of the 2020 presidential election. On Nov. 8, voters will decide whether to put him in the attorney general's office. It takes working together to restore this great state. We're not just a news organization, we're also your neighbors. 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." Matthew DePerno: Trump-backed GOP candidate for Michigan AG under - CNN The ProAssurance Casualty Company alleged DePerno made unreasonable demands of attorneys they had hired to represent him in the Moffits malpractice suit.