Man behind Michigan primary signature fraud scheme sentenced to at least 4 years in prison
Mount Clemens — One of two men convicted of leading a signature fraud scheme that kept multiple candidates from qualifying for the August 2022 primary was sentenced on Wednesday to serve at least four years in prison — and up to 20 years — though he'll remain free on bond during his appeal.
Macomb County Circuit Judge James Maceroni sentenced Shawn Wilmoth after a jury last month found him guilty of submitting forged citizen signatures and defrauding the campaigns of Republican gubernatorial and judicial candidates. Those candidates included Perry Johnson, James Craig, Michael Brown and Michael Markey, along with judicial candidates Tricia Dare, John Cahalan and John Michael Malone.
Donna Brandenburg was also defrauded, but she appeared on the general election ballot as a candidate for the U.S. Taxpayers Party. Another candidate was defrauded but later withdrew from running.
“I do find that a sentence within the Department of Corrections is proportionate to the circumstances of the offense and the offender," Maceroni said when he handed down his sentence.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/18/signature-fraud-primary-ballot-ringleader-shawn-wilmoth-sentenced-four-years-prison-macomb-county/89195497007/