No Charges For Man Who Placed Fake Camera Near Plymouth Ballot Box: AG

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI — A man who placed a fake camera on a pole near a drop box outside a Plymouth Township voting station in February will not be charged in connection with voter intimidation, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

The man, who was not identified, told investigators he worked previously worked as an election inspector in the City of Plymouth and that he put the cameras up to deter tampering and promote honest voting, according to the attorney general's office.

Moreover, investigators determined there were no signs of tampering with the ballot box itself, according to the attorney general's office.

"My department takes allegations of voter intimidation and election fraud very seriously. We will continue to thoroughly investigate each referral we receive from both local or state partners, and prosecute any criminal offenses we uncover," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement.

On February 16, Plymouth Township election officials alerted police after finding a solar light attached to a homemade pole outside a ballot box at the Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 46250 Ann Arbor Road, according to the attorney general's office.

Surveillance video showed the man placing a non-functional camera on the pole about 20 to 30 feet from the ballot box. The cameras were attached to the pole with a plastic tie and were non-functional, according to the attorney general's office.

The fake cameras, which worked like a motion detector, flashed when someone walked up to the drop box, according to the attorney general's office.

Nessel's office said it determined there was insufficient evidence of corrupt intent, which would be required to substantiate a criminal charge.

"While this incident did not rise to illegal activity, it serves as an important reminder for all Michigan voters, election workers, and volunteers to know what is and what isn't allowed at polling locations and to comply with the law," Nessel said.

Anyone experiencing or witnessing voter intimidation at a polling place or an early voting location is encouraged to contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General by email or call 517-335-7659.