(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/23/2024) Bright Spark Strategies' co-founder will head to trial on charges related to a "dark money scheme" to fund the 2020 Unlock Michigan ballot committee created to repeal the law the Governor used for COVID-era executive orders. 

Ingham County Judge Kristen Simmons of the 54A District Court held Monday that there is probable cause to send Heather Lombardini's criminal case alleging uttering and publishing and forgery to circuit court for trial.

A new court date for Lombardini, who faces up to 14 years in prison if she is convicted as charged, was not immediately set.

"Our ballot initiative process is meant to give a voice to the public, but the integrity of this process depends on transparency," Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "Campaign finance disclosure laws are put in place to ensure Michigan voters can discern who is funding policies in our state.

"Decisions made behind closed doors to serve the interests of politicians, government operatives, and wealthy donors undermine the very purpose of these initiatives," Nessel added.

A message seeking comment from Lombardini's attorney wasn't returned.

Nessel announced charges in February against Lombardini and Sandra Baxter, a former finance director of the Michigan Republican Party, alleging they made false statements about their roles in a "dark money" scheme to funnel donations through nonprofit organizations to Unlock Michigan.

The investigation began with a May 2021 complaint by longtime campaign finance expert Bob LaBRANT, who questioned two 501(c)4s – Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility (MCFR) and Michigan! My Michigan.

Testimony during the August preliminary examination revealed Lombardini wrote in a July 2020 email her desire to raise $3.8 million for Unlock Michigan, a ballot committee connected to former Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

Testimony indicated Lombardini received 16 checks written to MCFR for Unlock Michigan, but Lombardini disclosed only one contribution for $25,000.

Meanwhile, Baxter, of Caledonia, faces a perjury count for allegedly lying under oath during testimony given during an investigative subpoena. Her case is pending in Circuit Court where an Oct. 3 pretrial conference has been scheduled.