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 sparked by two complaints filed against the sheriff’s office and Sheriff Michael Murphy. Murphy disputes the allegations, stating he does not believe he violated the act and welcomes the investigation.

In 2018, Murphy was fined $100 to the state and $100 to the county for appearing in a campaign video for then-Attorney General Bill Schuette with a marked sheriff’s vehicle. The current investigation follows a visit by former President Donald Trump to the sheriff’s office on Tuesday. The event was billed as a “press conference,” but it featured Trump delivering a speech from a podium with his campaign logo, surrounded by sheriff’s vehicles and banners promoting his campaign.

The Michigan Campaign Finance Act prohibits the use of public resources to support political candidates. Critics argue that the event, which closed multiple county offices, including courts and the prosecutor’s office, was a political event in disguise. Sheriff Murphy has defended the event, stating it was intended to address safety and crime issues. The investigation will determine whether any laws were broken and what actions will be taken if violations are found.