LANSING, Mich. (NEWSnet/AP) — A former attorney general candidate and another supporter of former President Donald Trump have been charged in Michigan in connection with accessing and tampering with voting machines after the 2020 election.

Matthew DePerno, a lawyer endorsed by Trump in an unsuccessful run for attorney general in 2022, is charged with undue possession of a voting machine and conspiracy, according to Oakland County court records.

Daire Rendon, a former state representative, is charged with conspiracy to commit undue possession of a voting machine and false pretenses.

Arraignments for both were held remotely Tuesday, according to Oakland County’s 6th Circuit.

DePerno was named as a “prime instigator” in the case.

Five vote tabulators were taken from three counties in Michigan to a hotel room, according to documents released in 2022 by Attorney General Dana Nessel. Investigators found the tabulators were breached and “tests” were performed on the equipment. Documents claim DePerno was present.

Nine people, including DePerno and Rendon, were named by Nessel’s office as having been involved.

Because Nessel ran against DePerno in the 2022 election, she secured a special prosecutor who would not have a conflict of interest and could operate independently.

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