The Michigan Bureau of Elections is investigating the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly violating the state’s Campaign Finance Act. The investigation was prompted by two complaints received by the bureau. The complaints accuse the sheriff’s office of misusing public resources to support political candidates, which is a misdemeanor punishable by fines or up to 93 days in jail.

The controversy surrounds a recent event hosted by the sheriff’s office featuring former President Donald Trump. The event, billed as a “press conference,” was closed to the public but nationally televised. It included Trump speaking in front of banners and a podium with his campaign logo, and was attended by local law enforcement officials. The event led to the closure of several county offices, including courts and the prosecutor’s office.

Sheriff Michael Murphy has disputed the allegations, stating that he does not believe he violated the Campaign Finance Act and welcomes the investigation. Murphy has a history of campaign finance issues, having been fined $100 to the state and $100 to the county in 2018 for appearing in a campaign video for then-Attorney General Bill Schuette.

The investigation will determine whether any laws were broken. If found in violation, the sheriff’s office could face fines and other penalties. The outcome of the investigation will ultimately be decided by the voters, as Sheriff Murphy is an elected official.