The trial of state Representative Larry Inman ended in a mistrial Tuesday. The lawmaker narrowly avoided a criminal conviction.
Inman, from Williamsburg in the Traverse City area, had been accused of urging union officials in 2018 to round up $30,000 in campaign contributions per legislator to protect a law setting higher wages on state-financed construction projects.
After over 12 hours of deliberation, the jury couldn’t make a final decision on two of the three charges against Inman.
They found him not guilty of lying to the FBI, but could not reach a verdict on charges of attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe. A judge declared a mistrial on the two corruption charges.
Inman was visibly relieved when the verdict was read, and said now he’ll return to the legislature.
“Hopefully this is over,” he said. “I can get back to my life. I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Legislature and serving the residents of the 104th district.”
Colleagues in the Michigan Legislature asked earlier this year that he resign, but Inman declined.
The trial featured testimony on Inman’s personal life, drug and alcohol use, and frank conversations on lobbying in Lansing. Nineteen witnesses were called to the stand over the course of six days.
But Inman may not be in the clear yet. Prosecutors are already asking the judge to set a new trial date.
