On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, AP News reported that Wisconsin judicial regulators filed a complaint against former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who led the controversial investigation into the 2020 election results in the state. The complaint, filed by the Office of Lawyer Regulation, includes ten counts of alleged misconduct that could potentially result in sanctions, including the revocation of Gableman’s law license.

The complaint alleges that Gableman violated multiple rules of professional conduct during his investigation, which was commissioned by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos following President-elect Donald Trump’s narrow loss in Wisconsin. Despite the extensive investigation, Gableman found no substantial evidence of fraud, leading to criticism from both sides of the political spectrum and costing taxpayers over $2.3 million.

Gableman’s inquiry faced widespread scrutiny. He was criticized for his handling of public records requests, as well as for confusion stemming from his communications and legal filings. The complaint claims that he made false statements, disrupted court proceedings, and questioned the integrity of a judge. Additionally, Gableman is accused of making derogatory remarks about opposing counsel and violating open records laws.

Specific allegations in the complaint detail instances where Gableman purportedly misled the court. For example, he attempted to compel depositions from the mayors of Madison and Green Bay without disclosing that his office had previously agreed that such depositions were unnecessary after those cities provided the requested election documents. Furthermore, Gableman is accused of falsely alleging that officials from the Wisconsin Elections Commission and five cities were attempting to obscure the use of election grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, which has ties to liberal funding sources.

Another significant allegation states that Gableman breached attorney ethics by publicly discussing private conversations with Vos regarding the investigation. He participated in videos promoting a failed recall effort against Vos, which were shown at an event organized by Trump supporter Mike Lindell. The complaint also asserts that Gableman continued to practice law while conducting the investigation, despite claiming otherwise. He provided legal advice in his report and represented himself as legal counsel in court filings.

The complaint includes accusations of Gableman’s office destroying public records that had been requested by the liberal group American Oversight. During a hearing to determine whether those records were destroyed inadvertently, Gableman reportedly accused the presiding judge, Frank Remington, of bias and mismanagement. Gableman was found in contempt of court for failing to comply with open records laws, and the judge subsequently forwarded the contempt order to the Office of Lawyer Regulation.

The filing of this complaint follows recommendations from attorneys at the law firm Law Forward, who have also called for sanctions against Gableman. Law Forward President Jeff Mandell criticized Gableman’s actions, stating that he misused taxpayer funds and promoted unfounded conspiracy theories, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

Gableman served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 2008 to 2018 and was known for aligning with the conservative majority on significant rulings, including those affecting collective bargaining rights for public workers. Currently, the court has shifted to a liberal majority, following the election of a new justice to replace Gableman’s vacated seat.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has yet to make a recommendation regarding potential sanctions against Gableman in light of the complaint. As of now, Gableman has not publicly responded to the allegations.

 

 

Source: AP News