Two former Michigan lawmakers who were forced out of office in a sex scandal have appeared in court on misconduct charges.
Cindy Gamrat's lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on her behalf Tuesday. Todd Courser appeared in the Lansing court without a lawyer, four days after charges were filed by Attorney General Bill Schuette. Both were released on bond.
The alleged crimes by the Republican pair mostly relate to an effort to cover up their affair, either by using publicly paid staff or lying to investigators. Courser and Gamrat also are accused of telling staff to forge their signatures on legislation.
Gamrat, who's from Allegan County, was expelled by the House in September, while Courser of Lapeer County resigned. They tried to regain their seats in a special election but lost.
The preliminary hearing for Courser and Gamrat is scheduled for March 15 at 9:30 a.m.
