MENOMINEE — A Wallace man campaigning for Menominee County sheriff has been accused of violating Michigan election law.

Joseph Grinsteiner, 41, is charged with three counts of false designation of incumbency, according to a news release from Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey T. Rogg.

On April 6, a voter reported to the Menominee Police Department that Grinsteiner had designated himself as the incumbent sheriff in Menominee County.

An investigation revealed Grinsteiner had a Facebook campaign page titled “Sheriff Joe Grinsteiner,” with photographs and videos depicting the statement, “Elect for Menominee County 2020, Sheriff Joe Grinsteiner,” Rogg stated.

Also in early April, several waitresses at the American Legion Hall on First Street in Menominee had worn shirts that stated “Sheriff Joe Grinsteiner,” according to the release.

Additionally, a billboard in support of Grinsteiner’s candidacy near the intersection of M-35 and U.S. 141 featured the Michigan Sheriff’s Association logo, a registered design reserved for use by Michigan County sheriff members in active law enforcement, according to the release. The MSA is a non-profit corporation and does not endorse political candidates, in accordance with Internal Revenue Service rules and regulations.

“Anyone who seeks a position enforcing the law must first observe it,” Rogg said. “The citizens of Menominee County deserve an election that is free of misleading falsehoods and nefarious influences. Such falsehoods rob our citizens of access to accurate information before they exercise their right to vote and can have long-term consequences for the sanctity of our elections.”

Due to the coronavirus, Grinsteiner will be arraigned at a later date before District Judge Robert J. Jamo in the 95-A District Court.