LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Friday criminal charges are being filed against former state representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat.
Courser and Gamrat were expelled from the House during the summer of 2015 after it was revealed the two were having an affair. Moreover, Courser was accused of trying to cover up the affair with an elaborate story. His former aides said Courser enlisted their help in the cover-up.
An investigation has been ongoing since the state officials were expelled.
Schuette said Courser will face four felony charges including felony perjury for lying under oath while testifying before the House Select Committee.
"(Courser) falsely stated that a staff member gave him the green light to forge a signature on House legislative proposals called blue backs," said Schuette. "Only legislatures sign legislative proposals."
If convicted, Courser could face up to 15 years in prison for the perjury charge. He also faces three counts of misconduct. Schuette said Courser's law license could be put under review.
Gamrat is charged with two counts of misconduct in office. She could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
"The (Gamrat) charges relate to lying to House business office investigators and instructing a staff member to sign blue backs against House rules," said Schuette.
Gamrat's attorney, Michael Nichols, said he's looking forward to reviewing the charges.
"Bill Schuette expects that Cindy Gamrat doesn't have any fight left in her," said Nichols. "I'm looking forward to reviewing the charges."