Great Lakes Wire

Heather Lombardini, 47, of Okemos, will stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County following a decision by Judge Kristen Simmons in the 54A District Court in Lansing. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Lombardini was bound over on charges of Uttering and Publishing and Forgery, both carrying potential 14-year sentences.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by Robert LaBrant with the Michigan Department of State's office in May 2021. LaBrant alleged a "dark money scheme" involving two nonprofit corporations, Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility and Michigan! My Michigan!, to fund the Unlock Michigan ballot initiative. The Department of State referred this complaint to the Department of Attorney General on June 3, 2022.

The investigation led to charges against Lombardini, who served as treasurer for Michigan! My Michigan! and president of Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility. She is accused of soliciting and receiving contributions for the Unlock Michigan ballot initiative.

"Our ballot initiative process is meant to give a voice to the public, but the integrity of this process depends on transparency," said Nessel. "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. I am pleased that this case is now headed to trial as it brings us closer to protecting the transparency our government should strive to uphold."

Lombardini’s next court date has not yet been set.

Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.