The Michigan Supreme Court recently brushed off an attempt by Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl to escape the hands of justice, indicating that the duo's continued fight against charges of voter intimidation will find no solace in the state's highest court. The appeal's dismissal, as reported by the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, upholds earlier court decisions that seek to hold Burkman and Wohl accountable for their actions during the 2020 general election.
At the heart of the allegations are a series of robocalls, which prosecutors claim were designed to discourage predominantly black voters in Detroit from participating in the election. The calls warned of dire consequences for casting ballots, using falsehoods to suggest that voting by mail would lead to police targeting individuals or credit companies seeking debts. "I am pleased that the Michigan Supreme Court refused to entertain further delay tactics by denying to hear this appeal," Nessel said, as per the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Each defendant, both hailing from Virginia, is facing serious charges: one count of election law – bribing/intimidating voters, one count of conspiracy to commit an election law violation, and two counts concerning the use of a computer to commit these alleged crimes. If convicted, Burkman and Wohl could find themselves contemplating their actions from the confines of a prison cell for several years.
Despite repeated attempts to quash the charges, courts have persistently found the legal grounds to continue proceeding against Burkman and Wohl. The Michigan Court of Appeals, following a directive from the Supreme Court to review the appeal, held that the defendants' conduct falls squarely outside the protections of free speech. This most recent denial from the Michigan Supreme Court leaves the contentious pair with dwindling options and a trial on a not-so-distant horizon. Burkman and Wohl, now acquainted with the disciplinary tune of justice, must ready themselves for what comes next.
