Jim Troupis suspended from Wisconsin Supreme Court over election fraud allegations

MADISON, Wisconsin — Attorney James Troupis was temporarily suspended from his position on the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee following allegations related to his involvement in a conspiracy to rig the vote in the 2020 presidential election. The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued the suspension effective immediately on June 11, 2024.

Troupis, who was re-elected to his second term on the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee in March 2023, remains suspended until further notice. The suspension came as he and two others were indicted for their roles in a scheme to cast fraudulent electoral votes in favor of former President Donald Trump.

A Better Wisconsin Together Deputy Director Mike Browne issued the following statement:

“Jim Troupis was at the center of the MAGA faction’s criminal plot to undermine our freedom and overturn the 2020 election. His suspension from this position is another step in holding him and his co-conspirators accountable for their actions.

“It’s great to see that the new majority on the Supreme Court of our state of Wisconsin is more interested in protecting our freedoms than in the political cronies of right-wing judges.”

Background to the allegations

Earlier this month, on June 4, 2024, Racine County Eye reported that three individuals, including Troupis, were charged with plotting to cast fraudulent electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. The detailed investigation revealed that these individuals attempted to certify and cast these fraudulent votes in order to influence the election outcome in Trump’s favor.

The charges against Troupis and his co-conspirators stem from actions on December 14, 2020, when a group of Republicans gathered to vote for Trump in Wisconsin despite President Joe Biden’s official election victory. The group, calling themselves “surrogate electors,” submitted false documents to Congress and the National Archives claiming Trump’s victory. This fraudulent act was part of a broader effort to challenge the legitimacy of Biden’s victory and overturn the election results.

Details of the Troupis investigation

The investigation found that Troupis and two other individuals actively coordinated the casting of these fake ballots. Emails and documents obtained by authorities indicate that Troupis played a central role in organizing the meeting and instructing the fake voters on the procedures to follow to ensure their actions appeared legitimate. This included giving them instructions on how to fill out and sign the fake certificates.

Authorities have charged Troupis with conspiracy to defraud the United States, forgery, and obstruction of an official proceeding. The charges carry significant legal consequences, including possible prison time and fines. The impact of these charges is particularly severe because Troupis plays a role in the legal services industry, where ethical conduct and compliance with the law are of paramount importance.

Legal and ethical implications

Troupis’ temporary suspension underscores the seriousness of the allegations and their potential impact on the credibility of the justice system. The Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee, which advises judges on ethics issues, is now under scrutiny because a member is involved in such a significant legal controversy.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Clerk Samuel A. Christensen issued the suspension order, explaining that Judge Rebecca Grassl Bradley was not involved in the decision. The court’s swift action reflects its commitment to maintaining integrity and trust in the judicial system, particularly with regard to the ethical responsibilities of members of the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s order states: “You are hereby notified that the Court has entered the following order: In the matter of temporarily suspending the appointment of Attorney James R. Troupis as a member of the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee… IT IS ORDERED that Attorney James Troupis be temporarily suspended from service on the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee, effective immediately.”

Go forward

Wisconsin’s judicial system remains in the spotlight as the litigation continues. Suspending Troupis is a step toward addressing the immediate problems, but the long-term impact on public trust and judicial integrity remains to be seen. The court and related judicial bodies must carefully navigate these challenges to restore and maintain trust in the system.