A second individual, Willie Reed of Florida, was convicted and faces sentencing, while a third person, Jamie Wilmoth-Goodin, was acquitted.

A Michigan man, Shawn Wilmoth, owner of two signature-gathering companies, was sentenced to four to twenty years in prison for a forgery scheme that led to the disqualification of several Republican gubernatorial candidates in Michigan's 2022 primary.

The scheme billed nine campaigns—six for gubernatorial races and three for judicial races—over more than $700,000 to collect voter signatures and delivered fake signatures to eight campaigns.

Wilmoth’s attorney sought probation, arguing prison time would harm his family, and contended Wilmoth maintained innocence regarding intent to defraud, suggesting at most negligence.

At trial, the defense blamed circulators for defrauding Wilmoth and Reed, while prosecutors emphasized fraudulent petition signatures as the core issue.

Defense argued Wilmoth and Reed were defrauded by circulators, shifting blame away from the main defendants.

Campaigns paid Wilmoth about $400,000 for signatures, and forged signatures were later detected by the Michigan Bureau of Elections and referred to the Attorney General.

Prosecutors, led by Assistant Attorney General Chris Kessel, opposed the appeal bond and warned about broader implications for justice and election confidence, emphasizing the case as fraud with money as the motive rather than voter fraud.

The court ordered restitution to victims, with amounts to be set at a later hearing, and noted disputes over sums may be resolved in subsequent proceedings.

Victims including Donna Brandenburg and other candidates said the fraud harmed voters and campaigns, with some urging stronger petition-verification measures to prevent future fraud.

Donna Brandenburg, a U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate on the ballot, was defrauded and provided a victim impact statement describing disruption to campaigns and party ostracism.

A judge granted Wilmoth permission to remain out of prison pending appeal, noting the case was unusual and conditioning release on posting bond.