During a 2024 broadcast of Randy Bishop's conservative talk radio program, "Our Defending Fathers," "Trucker Randy" told his listeners that an Onaway businessman, Tom Moran, "shipped in illegal immigrants" to work at his metal fabrication business.
Moran sued Bishop and the radio station for defamation.
The radio station airing the comments is owned by Randy Bishop's wife, Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, who has come under scrutiny from the Michigan Bureau of Elections for making illegal changes to the state's Qualified Voter File (QVF).
Her access to the QVF recently was revoked by the bureau.
The Bishops are also under investigation from the Michigan State Police for a February incident in which a member of the Antrim County custodial staff saw Randy Bishop seated at Victoria Bishop's office computer after-hours, unsupervised.
The Bishops have refused to cooperate with the courts in their defamation lawsuit and have spoiled evidence pertaining to the case.
This prompted Judge Aaron Gauthier of Cheboygan’s 53rd circuit court to enter a default judgment, holding Randy Bishop and Victoria Bishop’s radio station liable for defamation.
This week, jurors will decide how much in damages will be awarded to Tom Moran and his business.
Also in this episode, Kate Grumke from Harvest Public Media tells us about the re-emersion of the serviceberry or Juneberry.
Producer: Austin Rowlader
Editing: Steve Junker
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
