Recent court documents reviewed by CNN reveal that a pro-Trump lawyer, Stefanie Lambert Junttila, is facing four state-level criminal charges for her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to seize and access voting machines in Michigan after the 2020 election. This incident is part of an investigation surrounding attempts by Donald Trump supporters to breach voting machines in the state, in an effort to substantiate claims that the former president had won the state in 2020. Lambert Junttila is the third individual charged in this case, joining two other prominent Republicans from Michigan, who are also facing criminal charges in connection with the voting machine plot. This article delves into the details of the case, the individuals involved, and the background of the alleged conspiracy.
The Michigan Voting Machine Conspiracy
Stefanie Lambert Junttila is part of a group of Trump supporters who sought to gain access to voting machines while investigating alleged fraud in Michigan, Georgia, and other crucial battleground states. These actions were prompted by unsuccessful attempts by some of their allies to persuade Donald Trump to issue an executive order directing the military to seize voting machines in December 2020. The former president and several prominent Michigan Republican figures propagated baseless conspiracy theories about massive fraud in Detroit and the manipulation of voting machines to rig the results in rural Michigan counties.
The Investigation and Charges
The investigation into the voting machine plot was led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who vehemently opposed the GOP’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Due to a potential conflict of interest concerning one of the targets of the probe, Nessel handed off the case to a special prosecutor. The charges against Stefanie Lambert Junttila, Matthew DePerno (a failed GOP candidate for Michigan attorney general), and former GOP state Representative Daire Rendon revolve around unlawful possession of voting machines and conspiracy to access voting machines. All three individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges during their respective arraignments.
Connections and Unsuccessful Lawsuits
Stefanie Lambert Junttila has close ties to former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell and was involved in meritless lawsuits seeking to overturn the 2020 election results. One such unsuccessful lawsuit alleged “massive” voter fraud. CNN has identified Powell as one of the six unnamed co-conspirators described (but not charged) in a separate, federal indictment by special counsel Jack Smith related to Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
Cyber Ninjas CEO and Analyst Deceived
According to the special prosecutor overseeing the case, D.J. Hilson, individuals previously named in the investigation, including Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan and analyst Jeffrey Lenberg, will not face charges as they were “deceived” by the defendants into thinking their actions were legal. Logan and Lenberg were also involved in a voting system breach in Coffee County, Georgia.
Lambert’s Defense and Conclusion
Stefanie Lambert Junttila’s attorney, Michael Smith, accuses the special prosecutor, D.J. Hilson, of pursuing a “malicious prosecution” and ignoring applicable law. Smith maintains that his client was a zealous advocate for her clients and did not violate any laws. As the case unfolds, it sheds light on the broader narrative of attempts to challenge the 2020 election results and the legal consequences faced by individuals involved in such actions. The legal process will ultimately determine the extent of their involvement and the possible ramifications they may face.
