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Federal Court Rejects ‘False Electors’ Defendant Frost’s Request to Terminate State Prosecution

LANSING – Yesterday, the Honorable Robert J. Jonker of the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan Southern Division rejected the civil complaint filed by Clifford Frost, 75, of Warren, seeking federal intervention and injunction to terminate the State prosecution against him. Frost is charged in state court with eight felony counts stemming from the alleged False Electors scheme pertaining to the 2020 presidential election in Michigan.

Frost filed a lawsuit in November asking the federal Court to enjoin the State prosecution against him, arguing his prosecution is malicious and violates his due process rights. The federal Court dismissed Frost’s lawsuit. Frost further claimed his criminally charged conduct, as alleged, did not constitute a crime. In his Opinion and Order, Judge Jonker concluded “Frost’s argument that the prosecution cannot prove its case against him or has failed to state an actionable claim is akin to the claims by almost every defendant contesting liability in any criminal case."

“The state prosecution against Frost also serves an important state purpose—specifically, Michigan’s right to enforce its criminal laws.” Judge Jonker wrote. The federal Court will not intervene in the matter and dismissed Frost’s lawsuit.

After the dismissal of charges against James Renner, 76, of Lansing, per a cooperation agreement, 15 defendants remain in the State prosecution. Each has pled not guilty to eight felony charges.

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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.

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