LANSING, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – A judge has issued rare sanctions for nine lawyers who represented Republican voters in Michigan during the 2020 election.

Federal Judge Linda Parker did not mince words regarding the lawsuit which claimed fraud during last year’s election, calling it a “historic and profound abuse of the judicial process.” She says there was no basis for the claims and that it intended to deceive the court and the public.

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In addition, Judge Parker ordered the lawyers to reimburse the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit for the money both spent defending the lawsuit.  The judge also ordered 12 hours of legal education.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she’s glad the court is holding the attorneys accountable.

Scott Hagerstrom is one of the lawyers facing the sanctions; he directed former President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign in Michigan.  He said he believes the judge had already formed her opinion and the sanctions are politically motivated.

“They’re not getting a dime out of me,” Hagerstrom said.