Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump staffer found guilty of 10 counts of election fraud

Brandon Hall faces five years in prison for the crime 

Thursday 01 December 2016 07:32 EST
Comments
Brandon Hall standing with President-elect Donald Trump
Brandon Hall standing with President-elect Donald Trump (Facebook)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A man who worked on Donald Trump’s campaign in Michigan has been found guilty on 10 counts of election fraud.

Brandon Hall, a political activist, forged signatures on petition forms in 2012 and now faces up to five years in prison.

The 27-year-old from Grand Haven, along with his friend Zachary Savage, forged signatures in support of judicial candidate Chris Houtaling.

Mr Savage received immunity from charges by the Attorney General’s Office in exchange for his testimony in this case, according to Grand Haven Tribune.

The High Court overturned the Michigan Court of Appeals and Hall was charged with felony, despite his defence arguing he should face misdemeanour charges due to a statement printed on the petitions.

Trump ally says recount ups prosecution odds for Clinton

Hall and Mr Houtaling met when they were members of the Grand Haven school board, but Hall was forced to resign from the position after being convicted of stealing from a school fundraiser.

He also ran for the state House earlier this year for the 89th District seat but was defeated in the Republican primary in August.

In a statement, Progress Michigan, a group that holds public officials to account, said Hall’s conviction was proof that a recount of the votes cast in the US presidential election was needed in the state.

“Donald Trump has made claim after claim calling the integrity of the election into question, but his Michigan campaign had no problem hiring a staff member facing election law charges,” executive director Lonnie Scott said, Grand Haven Tribune reported.

“The fact that the Trump campaign and the Michigan Republican Party embraced Brandon Hall is just one more reason to recount and audit the vote in Michigan.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in