LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Two former state representatives accused of misusing taxpayer resources to cover up their affair both appeared in a Lansing courtroom on Tuesday to plead not guilty to felony charges.
A shaken, teary-eyed Cindy Gamrat entered pleas to two counts of misusing her office. She was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
Just as media began to file out of the courtroom, Todd Courser walked in. He entered pleas to one count of perjury and three counts of misusing his office. He was released on a $7,500 personal recognizance bond.
If convicted, Gamrat could spend up to 10 years in prison and Courser could spend up to 15 years in prison.
Before Tuesday, Courser called the charges “trumped up,” and Gamrat’s attorneys said they were unconstitutional.
Attorney General Bill Schuette disagrees.
“In a day and time and moment where people sometimes wondered if government worked, if it was some cozy insider’s club — no, it’s not that,” Schuette said on Tuesday. “No one is beyond the reach of the law, even those who make the laws.”
Schuette’s office filed the charges against the Republicans after the completion of a Michigan State Police investigation last week.
Preliminary hearings for both Gamrat and Courser will take place later this month.
Courser resigned last year, while Gamrat was expelled.
– Anthony Pollreisz
