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Warren Today
By the People, for the People
Second Man Sentenced in Michigan Election Signature Fraud Scheme
Willie Reed of Florida received 24-240 months in prison and $333,817 in restitution for forging thousands of nomination signatures for 2022 gubernatorial campaigns.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:34pm
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A Florida man named Willie Reed has been sentenced to 24-240 months in prison and ordered to pay $333,817 in restitution for his role in a scheme to flood Michigan gubernatorial campaigns with forged nomination signatures during the 2022 election cycle. Reed was convicted by a Macomb County jury on charges including conducting a criminal enterprise, false pretenses, and election law forgery.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of election fraud and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The Michigan Bureau of Elections was able to quickly identify the forged signatures, but the scheme still resulted in significant costs and undermined voter confidence.
The details
According to the release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Reed was hired by the campaigns of gubernatorial candidates James Craig, Perry Johnson, Michael Markey, and Ryan Kelley to collect nomination signatures. Instead of delivering valid signatures, Reed knowingly submitted tens of thousands of forged ones, for which the campaigns paid his business nearly $350,000. A Macomb County jury convicted Reed on multiple charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, false pretenses, and election law forgery.
- In June 2022, the Michigan Department of State referred the case to Attorney General Nessel's office for investigation.
- In September 2023, Reed and his co-conspirator Shawn Wilmoth were charged.
- On March 31, 2026, Reed was sentenced to 24-240 months in prison and ordered to pay $333,817 in restitution.
The players
Willie Reed
A Florida man who was convicted of flooding Michigan gubernatorial campaigns with forged nomination signatures during the 2022 election cycle.
Dana Nessel
The Michigan Attorney General who oversaw the investigation and prosecution of the election signature fraud scheme.
James Craig
A Michigan gubernatorial candidate whose campaign hired Reed to collect nomination signatures.
Perry Johnson
A Michigan gubernatorial candidate whose campaign hired Reed to collect nomination signatures.
Michael Markey
A Michigan gubernatorial candidate whose campaign hired Reed to collect nomination signatures.
What they’re saying
“'The actions of the defendants deliberately undermined our electoral process and denied voters their choices in our primary. I hope this outcome serves as a deterrent to others who attempt to subvert our system. My department remains committed to defending the integrity of our elections and is pleased that Mr. Wilmoth and Mr. Reed will be held fully accountable for their fraudulent scheme.'”
— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Willie Reed to be released on bail pending his appeal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing threat of election fraud and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The Michigan Bureau of Elections was able to quickly identify the forged signatures, but the scheme still resulted in significant costs and undermined voter confidence.
