LANSING, Mich. - Two former Michigan state representatives are now facing charges for crimes allegedly committed during a bizarre scandal in 2015.
Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat are each facing multiple counts relating to the e-mail sex scandal that cost both representatives their positions in Lansing. Courser was representing the Lapeer area and Gamrat represented Allegan and Plainwell areas. Courser resigned his position and Gamrat was expelled.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Friday that Courser will face one charge of felony perjury and three counts of misconduct in office. Gamrat faces two counts of misconduct in office.
Courser's felony perjury charge comes from testimony that Courser gave to the Michigan House of Representatives while under oath during the investigation into the scandal. Schuette says that the charges allege that both Courser and Gamrat "engaged in a pattern of corrupt conduct while holding state office, including both lying to the House Business Office during its investigation and Courser lying during testimony before the House Select Committee, while under oath, about directing staff to forge his signature on proposed legislation."
The charges were filed Friday morning in Ingham County. Courser and Gamrat are being contacted through their attorneys and have been offered the chance to turn themselves in to Michigan State Police. They are expected to be arraigned shortly after that.
Gamrat's two charges carry a possible penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Courser's felony perjury charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
