Mt. Clemens, MI — One of the men convicted in the $700,000 petition fraud scheme that disrupted Michigan’s 2022 gubernatorial race and targeted GOP candidates has now been sentenced, with a Macomb County judge ordering both prison time and significant financial restitution tied to the case.
RELATED: Macomb Jury Convicts Two In $700K Signature Fraud Scheme That Derailed GOP Candidates’ 2022 Bids
Shawn Wilmoth, of Warren, was sentenced March 18 in Macomb County Circuit Court to 48 months to 240 months (4 to 20 years) in prison following his convictions for conducting a criminal enterprise and multiple fraud-related offenses connected to the fraudulent petition operation.
Court records show Wilmoth received 9 days credit for time served and was initially ordered to report to the Macomb County Jail by 6:00 p.m. on March 20, where he would remain in custody before transfer to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
However, the court granted an appeal bond set at $40,000 cash or surety, allowing Wilmoth the opportunity to remain free while his appeal is pursued. The bond is specifically tied to the appellate process, meaning he can avoid immediate incarceration if the bond is posted within the timeframe ordered by the court.
Alongside the prison sentence, the judge ordered $376,731 in total financial obligations, including $376,601 in victim restitution and $130 in court costs. The restitution is to be paid to multiple individuals tied to the impacted political campaigns, with payments required to be made to victims before any other financial obligations are satisfied.
Breakdowns of restitution ordered include $177,500 to Donna Brandenburg, $83,410 to Michael Brown, $26,750 to John Cahalan, $26,670 to Tricia Dare, and $62,271 combined to John Malone and James Craig.
As part of the sentencing conditions, Wilmoth is prohibited from having any contact — directly or indirectly — with co-defendant Willie Reed or any of the listed victims. He is also required to stay at least 500 feet away from their homes, workplaces, and schools, and is barred from working in any election-related field moving forward.
The case stems from a large-scale operation in which prosecutors said Wilmoth and others were paid to collect valid nomination signatures but instead submitted tens of thousands of fraudulent entries, ultimately disqualifying multiple GOP candidates from appearing on the 2022 primary ballot.
Co-defendant Willie Reed was also scheduled to be sentenced, but that hearing has now been rescheduled to March 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
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