U.S. Attorney’s Office Holds Ex-Councilman Accountable for Undermining Electoral Process
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged former city councilman, [Name], with one count of election fraud for his involvement in a scheme to manipulate the voting process. The charges accuse [Name] of depriving and defrauding residents of a fair and impartially conducted election by fraudulently procuring, casting, and tabulating ballots.
“Holding free and fair elections is a bedrock principle of our democracy,” stated U.S. Attorney Matthew Skahill. “Today’s charges reflect our office’s commitment to hold accountable those who try to undermine the electoral process.”
Fraudulent Scheme Uncovered
According to prosecutors, [Name] and his associates paid individuals between $30 and $50 to apply as messengers for voters who intended to cast their votes by mail. These messengers would visit the county clerk’s office, sign the messenger portion of the ballot applications, and receive the ballots to be given to the voters listed.
However, instead of delivering the ballots to the intended voters, the purported messengers handed them over to [Name] or his subordinates. Subsequently, many of these mail-in ballots were cast in the names of individuals who confirmed that they did not vote in the 2022 general election, nor did they authorize anyone to vote on their behalf. Shockingly, these fraudulent ballots were counted in the election.
Prior Offenses and Controversy
This isn’t the first time [Name] has faced legal consequences. In the past, he was sentenced to 40 months in state prison for bribery while serving as a city councilman. While awaiting imprisonment for that offense, he organized a sex sting against a political rival, fellow Councilman Eugene Robinson.
The sex sting involved paying a prostitute to lure Robinson to a motel room, where a hidden camera recorded the encounter. [Name] threatened to release the footage unless Robinson resigned from his position. Robinson, who has since passed away, maintained that the encounter was consensual.
[Name] was released from prison in 2010 and promptly resumed his involvement in collecting and delivering absentee ballots. Despite accusations of wrongdoing from losing candidates, he had managed to avoid charges until now.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, [Name] could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the election fraud charge. The charges against him showcase the determination of law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
