2 Men Sentenced for Election-Related Robocalls by Michigan Judge
A Michigan judge sentenced John Burkman and Jacob Wohl to one year of probation after they pleaded no contest to charges that they orchestrated a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing turnout from predominantly Black voters in Detroit in the 2020 general election. Judge Margaret Van Houten of the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County imposed the sentences, said a news release Monday.
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“The defendants’ conduct used every racist dog whistle -- fear of incarceration, fear of the government and fear of one’s benefits being taken away -- to steal the most fundamental right that we often take for granted: the right to vote,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D). Among the claims they made was that voting by mail "would place voters’ personal information in a public database that will be used by police departments to track down individuals with outstanding warrants," Nessel said.
In 2023, the FCC imposed a $5.1 million fine against the two men and J.M. Burkman & Associates, for allegedly making 1,141 unlawful robocalls (see 2306060052).