Probe of ex-lawmaker's switch to GOP cost $53,000

LANSING (AP) -- Two special prosecutors have billed Ingham County taxpayers $53,000 to investigate a former Michigan lawmaker's scheme to switch parties just before an election deadline. The yearlong probe of the switch of ex-Rep. Roy Schmidt of Grand Rapids to the Republican Party wrapped up last Friday with no indictments. Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina served as a one-judge grand jury. He says "Attorney A" charged about $16,000 and "Attorney B" billed about $37,000. The prosecutors appointed to investigate were ex-Ingham County assistant prosecutor Michael Ferency and ex-Republican state attorney general candidate John Smietanka. Nineteen witnesses interviewed during the investigation split about $300 in fees and mileage reimbursement. Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger barely survived re-election because of his role in the scheme. Schmidt lost re-election. Published: Wed, Aug 14, 2013