LANSING, Mich. — Former state Reps. Cindy Gamrat and Todd Courser appeared in court Tuesday to face criminal charges stemming from their extra marital affair and failed attempt to cover it up while in office.
Gamrat, who represented the Plainwell and Allegan area, is charged with two counts of misconduct in office. She faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced charges against her and Courser Feb. 26.
Schuette says the charges allege that both Courser and Gamrat "engaged in a pattern of corrupt conduct while holding state office, including both lying to the House Business Office during its investigation and Courser lying during testimony before the House Select Committee, while under oath, about directing staff to forge his signature on proposed legislation."
Courser, who resigned rather than be expelled, and Gamrat, who was kicked out, were ousted from their posts in September. Courser is charged with one count of felony perjury and three counts of misconduct in office.
Courser was arraigned in the same courtroom after Gamrat. He is also facing misconduct in office charges and an additional perjury charge as well. Courser was given a $7,500 personal recognizance bond and Gamrat a $5,000 bond.
After the scandal broke in August, the freshmen Republican House members asked to be censured. But the Republican-led House pursued expulsion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
