The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that Meijer can be prosecuted criminally for violations of state campaign laws, overturning a lower court ruling to the contrary. This is the latest development in a complex series of court cases involving the retail giant’s illegal and secret backing of a recall referendum in Acme Township after local officials refused to allow the company to build a new facility there.

A Michigan Court of Appeals panel overturned a local court ruling in an opinion released late Friday and said [Grand County prosecutor Alan] Schneider has jurisdiction to investigate alleged felonies in two Acme Township elections…

“Regardless of whether or not there is a stay, at least at this point we know we can go forward with an investigation,” Schneider said. “I’m going to look at individuals involved in orchestrating the opposition to the recall, but it’s too early to name names.”

Meijer attorney John Pirich called the appeals court’s unanimous opinion “erroneous,” and said Meijer will consider appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court or asking the appeals court to reconsider.

The order has been stayed to give Meijer the opportunity to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, where they lost an appeal last year over whether they could be sued for damages stemming from the same situation. After that loss, Meijer settled with former Acme Township officials for $300,000 each, or $1.5 million, in a civil suit.

The company has also already received the largest fine in state history for campaign violations, more than $190,000, from Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. Now it appears that prosecutors may also bring felony charges against specific Meijer executives.