Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Ex-ACORN Worker Charged With Forgery

County Clerk Offices Say ACORN Applications Clog System

POSTED: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
UPDATED: 11:51 am EDT October 15, 2008

Michigan's attorney general is charging a former employee of a community organizing group with forgery after he says the man falsely submitted six voter registration forms.

Antonio Johnson is being held in Jackson County on a parole violation. The 23-year-old is accused of falsifying the registration forms between May 20 and June 6 in Jackson.

He worked for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN.

Jackson Clerk Lynn Fessel suspected a problem and asked police to investigate. Two residents said they didn't sign the forms and that some information used to complete the forms was incorrect.

Attorney General Mike Cox announced Johnson's arrest Tuesday.

"This office will not stand by while criminals interfere with the voting rights of Michigan citizens," Cox's office said.

Johnson couldn't be reached immediately at the jail.

"We will reach out to the attorney general and let him know that we will cooperate in any way possible with this investigation," ACORN said in a statement about the charges late Tuesday.

In Pontiac, a county clerk employee, who did not want to be on camera, told Local 4 someone tried to register to vote using her name.

"It had a phony birth date and an old telephone number of mine. Someone had forged my signature," the employee said.

The Oakland County Clerk's office said two-thirds of voter applications submitted by ACORN are invalid.

"We've seen in some communities as much as 12 applications for the same individual with different handwriting and signatures," said Joe Rozell, Oakland County elections director.

The head organizer for ACORN in Michigan, Dave Lagstein, said it submitted 210,000 voter applications it had acquired through paid workers.

"Every single card is verified," said Lagstein. "And anybody who submits a card that is not appropriate is terminated immediately."

Lagstein said workers are paid $8 an hour to collect the applications.
Text Size

Hot Topics

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?