Southfield Clerk Accused Of Forging Documents Goes To Trial: AG

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A Southfield clerk accused by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel of falsifying records will stand trial in the case, the state AG's office has announced.

Judge Michelle Friedman Appel has bound over Southfield Clerk Sherikia Hawkins on all six felony counts brought against her, according to Nessel's office. The case will now move to the Oakland County Circuit Court for trial.

Hawkins is charged with falsifying returns/records, forging a public record, misconduct in office and multiple counts of using a computer to commit a crime, the AG's office said. The most severe of the charges is forgery of a public record, which is a 14-year felony, according to Nessel.

“The voters of our state deserve a process that is unobstructed," Nessel said. “That is why I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect our elections from every conceivable threat. The foundation of our democracy depends on it."

Hawkins accusations stem from the Nov. 6, 2018 general election. The complaint alleges that the defendant — while serving as the Clerk for the City of Southfield — used a computer to fraudulently alter or modify the Qualified Voter File after the 2018 General Election to falsely reflect that previously logged absentee ballots were void due to arriving in envelopes that were not signed by the voter, Nessel said.

The judges in the 46th district disqualified themselves which resulted in the appointment of a visiting judge from the 45th judicial district to conduct the preliminary examination, according to Nessel.

The judge and date have not yet been determined.