AG files appeals in case against ex-McCotter aides

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is appealing the dismissal of conspiracy charges against two former aides to a Detroit-area congressman accused in an election scandal.

Schuette filed his claim Tuesday with the Michigan Court of Appeals following the Jan. 18 dismissal of the charges against Don Yowchuang and Paul Seewald.

The former aides to former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter were sentenced that day in Wayne County Circuit Court to probation and community service on other charges.

The conspiracy charge is a felony that carries up to five years in prison.

The men and two others were accused last year in the scandal involving bogus petition signatures.

McCotter resigns following signature snafu

The republican turned in 2,000 signatures on May 15, but a review found many of the signatures were duplicates and out of date. Only a couple hundred appeared valid.

He needed 1,000.

After he was told he wouldn't make the August primary ballot because of the failed requirement, McCotter had initially said he would run as a write-in candidate. But he announced his resignation in July.

The Republican from Livonia had served five terms in the 11th Congressional District.