Calls Mount for Michigan AG to Clear Names of those Listed as Co-Conspirators in False Electors Case
Following teh dismissal of charges against 15 individuals accused of being false electors in the 2020 presidential election, calls are growing for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to officially clear the names of those identified as unindicted co-conspirators in the case. These include Tom Leonard, a former Speaker of the Michigan House and 2026 gubernatorial candidate; his wife, Jenell Leonard, who owns a public affairs and communications firm; and Stu Sandler, currently chief of staff for Florida Senator Rick Scott.
Ingham County Judge Kristen Simmons dismissed the charges against the 15 defendants, stating the prosecution failed to demonstrate intent to commit election fraud. While those defendants are now free to move forward, the individuals named as co-conspirators remain under a cloud of suspicion despite never being charged with any wrongdoing. None have received an explanation for their inclusion in the case.
Tom Leonard has publicly requested a federal inquiry into whether the prosecution was politically motivated, stating, “Dana Nessel is the moast reckless attorney general in the country and has repeatedly abused her office…This case never should have been brought.” Sandler expressed similar skepticism, calling the case “garbage” and questioning whether the Attorney general would take steps to rectify the situation.
The original complaint also named former state GOP Chair laura Cox as a co-conspirator, though she was later reclassified as a cooperating witness. Additionally, the prosecution mentioned Donald Trump, his attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis, and White House Chief of Staff Mark meadows as co-conspirators.
Nessel has indicated a potential appeal of Judge Simmons’ decision. Critics point to the Attorney General’s handling of the Flint water crisis case, wich cost taxpayers $53 million and drew criticism for its protracted length, as evidence of a pattern of pursuing cases aggressively even in the face of legal challenges. Following the dismissal of the electors case, Nessel suggested Judge Simmons may have been influenced by fear of retribution from pro-Trump forces – a claim widely seen as an attack on the judge’s integrity.
Advocates for clearing the names of Leonard,Leonard,and Sandler argue that the Attorney General should end any further prosecution related to the case and officially remove the imputation of criminal activity from their records.
