ADAMS TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – A Hillsdale County circuit court judge has dismissed all felony charges against former Adams Township Clerk Stephanie Scott, ruling that the legal foundation for the prosecution was based on a fundamental error.
Circuit Court Judge Sara S. Lisznyai quashed the bindover on Thursday, saying that the statute prosecutors used to claim Scott illegally shared confidential voter data only governs Freedom of Information Act exemptions and contains no actual confidentiality restrictions.
The ruling effectively rebuked the lower district court’s previous decision to send the case to trial, Judge Lisznyai said that the lower court committed an “error of law” by inventing restrictions that do not exist in Michigan’s election code.
The decision marks a significant legal victory for Scott, who has faced five years of professional and personal turmoil, including being stripped of her duties, recalled by voters, and facing decades in prison.
The case, brought by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, centered on Scott’s decision to allow a cybersecurity expert to examine 2020 election records.
While a single misdemeanor count regarding a directive from the Secretary of State was sent back to district court, the dismissal of the seven combined felony counts against Scott and her attorney, Stefanie Lambert Junttila, is being hailed by her legal team as a complete vindication against an attempt by state officials to overreach their authority.
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