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AG Files Appeals In Case Against Ex-McCotter Aides

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is appealing the dismissal of conspiracy charges against two former aides to a Detroit-area congressman accused in an election scandal.

Schuette filed his claim Tuesday with the Michigan Court of Appeals following the Jan. 18 dismissal of the charges against Don Yowchuang and Paul Seewald.

The former aides to former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter were sentenced that day in Wayne County Circuit Court to probation and community service on other charges.

The conspiracy charge is a felony that carries up to five years in prison.

The men and two others were accused last year in the scandal involving bogus petition signatures. Schuette called the forgery a "cut and paste job that would make a fourth grade art teacher cringe" and give "Elmer's Glue a bad name."

McCotter, a Republican from Livonia, was not changed in the case. Schuette said there was no direct evidence of McCotter's involvement, but it did seem McCotter was "asleep at the switch."

McCotter didn't make the ballot and quit Congress last July after nearly 10 years rather than finish his term.

Yowchuang had served as deputy district director to McCotter. Paul Seewald was district director.

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(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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