INDIANAPOLIS – As first reported by Indy Politics, Max Engling’s Secretary of State campaign accepted a $50,000 donation from Michael S. Sherfick. Sherfick was convicted of bribery during his time working as a Deputy Constable at the Perry Township Constable’s Office. 

Engling’s campaign has doubled-down on the donation, refusing to answer Indy Politics’ question if the campaign would return the donation. 

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, Sherfick admitted to accepting bribes during his time in the Perry Township Constable’s Office in exchange for law enforcement badges, IDs, and other law enforcement materials. Sherfick was sentenced to serve 14 months in prison and pay a fine.

As reported by NUVO, Sherfick was also charged with attempted rape in 1994 and pled down to sexual battery after reaching a deal with the prosecutor. NUVO’s article also mentions Sherfick’s “1996 arrest for impersonating a law enforcement officer”. 

This adds another shady donation to Engling’s record. On June 30, Engling’s campaign illegally accepted a $60,000 donation from Hoosier Leadership for America, a political dark money group. This incident led to a campaign finance complaint being filed by Engling’s former Republican convention opponent, Knox County Clerk David Shelton. 

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