Election Fraud Cases

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StateNew JerseyYear2022NameFrederick GattusoCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFalse Registrations, Impersonation Fraud At The Polls

Frederick Gattuso, former Carteret Republican mayoral candidate, was charged with one count of fraudulent voting for voting twice during the November 2020 presidential election as different people with similar names. Gattuso pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with public records and was sentenced to one year of probation.

Source: https://herit.ag/3CgCA39

StateNew JerseyYear2020NameMay 2020 Third Ward Paterson City…Case TypeJudicial FindingFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

The May 2020 election for the Third Ward Paterson City Council was overturned by Superior Court Judge Ernest M. Caposela because of what he called “mail in vote procedural violations”. The Passaic County Board of Elections became aware of potential absentee ballots that were improperly cast and handled. Of all ballots cast in the election, 24.29% were rejected. Ballots were rejected because signatures did not match and sections on the ballot designating that someone other than the voter was handling the ballot were left unfilled. A substantial number of ballots were left on the floor of an apartment building, while approximately two hundred uncounted mail-in ballots were found in a postal box located in the adjacent township. Shortly after the election results were tabulated, evidence emerged about an absentee ballot trafficking scheme involving at least four individuals, including two members running for City Council. Candidate Alex Mendez, current councilman Michael Jackson, Shelim Khalique, and Abu Razyen have now been charged with various felonies related to the alleged scheme. The judge ordered a new special election which was held in November 2020. Alex Mendez won by a nine-vote margin, despite the criminal voter fraud charges that are pending against him.

Source: https://herit.ag/3iXAPN9 , https://herit.ag/3f2iVaF, https://herit.ag/3BNsOmj

StateNew JerseyYear2020NameWilliam RojasCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeBuying Votes, Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

William Rojas, of Hoboken, acted illegally by attempting to bribe voters with $50 to send in mail-in ballots to support a candidate for a seat on the Hoboken City Council during the 2015 Hoboken municipal election. Rojas was charged with and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with others to use the mail to promote a voter bribery scheme. He was sentenced to one year of probation.

Source: bit.ly/3dz9yPG , bit.ly/2QfW2Y8 , bit.ly/2PaCzI4 , bit.ly/32sVwIW

StateNew JerseyYear2019NameFrank RaiaCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeBuying Votes, Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Longtime Hoboken politico Frank “Pupie” Raia was convicted following a jury trial of “conspiracy to violate the federal Travel Act for causing the mails to be used in aid of voter bribery” in connection to a 2013 municipal election. Raia was at the center of a vote-by-mail bribery scheme in which he directed campaign workers to pay residents $50 for voting for his council slate (including himself) and for a rent-control referendum that he favored. Raia’s initial sentence was vacated by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and he is awaiting resentencing.

Source: https://herit.ag/3i7aYmL , https://herit.ag/3iRgh8R

StateNew JerseyYear2019NameMatthew CalicchioCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeBuying Votes, Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Matthew Calicchio bribed voters with $50 to cast mail-in ballots in a 2013 municipal election in Hoboken to support a rent-control referendum and city council candidate (and longtime Hoboken political player) Frank “Pupie” Raia. Calicchio did the same thing in a 2015 municipal election to support another candidate for City Council. Calicchio pleaded guilty to using the mails to promote voter bribery. He was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $100.

Source: bit.ly/3gr0Nsv , bit.ly/3amKFo3 , bit.ly/3sqVPhW

StateNew JerseyYear2019NameDio BraxtonCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeBuying Votes, Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Dio Braxton, of Hoboken, participated in a scheme to pay certain Hoboken voters $50 each if those voters applied for and cast mail-in ballots for candidate (and longtime Hoboken political player) Frank “Pupie” Raia for a seat on the Hoboken City Council and for a rent-control referendum during the 2013 Hoboken municipal election. Dio was charged with and pleaded guilty to one count of use of the mails to promote a voter bribery scheme. He is awaiting sentencing.

Source: bit.ly/3xb6Ass , bit.ly/3gmdhSp , bit.ly/3arOk43 , bit.ly/2QHLP6U

StateNew JerseyYear2018NameLizaida CamisCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeBuying Votes, Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Lizaida Camis, of Hoboken, acted illegally by attempting to bribe voters with $50 to send in mail-in ballots to support candidate (and longtime Hoboken political player) Frank “Pupie” Raia for a seat on the Hoboken City Council and a rent-control referendum during the 2013 Hoboken municipal election. Camis was charged with and pleaded guilty to one count of use of the mails to promote a voter bribery scheme. She was sentenced to six months’ probation and fined $100.

Source: bit.ly/3gusDEn , bit.ly/3v4OdDr

StateNew JerseyYear2017NameMelvin HowellCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Melvin Howell, of Asbury Park, pleaded guilty to a fourth degree felony charge after she filled out applications for nonexistent voters in a local school board election. According to the Union County Clerk, at least 54 ballots were tainted with irregularities. Howell was sentenced to one year of probation.

Source: https://herit.ag/3yf2YWw, https://herit.ag/3zH52Xv

StateNew JerseyYear2015NamePerth Amboy City CouncilCase TypeJudicial FindingFraud TypeElection Overturned

Fernando Gonzalez won a seat on the Perth Amboy City Council by 10 votes in an election where at least 13 illegal absentee ballots were cast. A Superior Court judge subsequently overturned the election results and ordered a new election be held in May 2015 for the seat.

Source: https://herit.ag/3iVp35W, https://herit.ag/3BOrBeP

StateNew JerseyYear2014NameBelkis M. Cespedes, Ana Vely-Gomez,…Case TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Eleven individuals were arrested in a state investigation of possible manipulation of absentee ballots in the election of Paterson Councilman Rigo Rodriguez. They entered into pre-trial intervention, a probationary program, to avoid trial and possible prison time.

Source: https://herit.ag/3f1dM2T

StateNew JerseyYear2014NameSpencer RobbinsCase TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFalse Registrations

Spencer Robbins, a municipal judge in Middlesex County, was forced to resign after it was discovered he registered to vote (and actually voted in 22 elections and democratic primaries) using the address of his Woodbridge law office. Although charged with two counts of third-degree voter fraud, Robbins was allowed to enter into a pre-trial intervention program, which means the charges will be dismissed if he successfully completes the program.

Source: https://herit.ag/3i8N1LI, https://herit.ag/3iV3i61

StateNew JerseyYear2014NameRigo and Lisette RodriguezCase TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Former Paterson Councilman Rigo Rodriguez and his wife were entered into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program after facing charges of conspiracy, election fraud, mail-in ballot fraud, and witness tampering. Paterson and his wife, who managed his campaign, orchestrated a scheme to take possession of absentee ballots and "assist" voters in filling them out, or fill them out fraudulently. Rodriguez instructed his volunteers to lie to officials investigating his scheme.

Source: https://herit.ag/2VdvbOP

StateNew JerseyYear2012NameJohn FernandezCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

John Fernandez, who worked for the Essex County Department of Economic Development, was convicted of election fraud, absentee ballot fraud, and forgery. Fernandez submitted phony absentee ballots while he was working on the 2007 election campaign of state Sen. Teresa Ruiz. Fernandez's scheme involved messenger ballots, which are used by voters home-bound by illness or a disability. Fernandez fraudulently obtained the ballots, then filled them out on behalf of the voters who had never received them. He received a five-year prison sentence.

Source: https://herit.ag/3kYtdws

StateNew JerseyYear2011NameCristobal CalixCase TypeJudicial FindingFraud TypeFalse Registrations, Ineligible Voting

Cristobal Calix, a Honduran citizen, came to the U.S. in 1976 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1980.When he applied for naturalization in 2004, he admitted to voting in the 2004 general election. Voting records showed he also voted in 14 other elections between 1984 and 1996. An immigration judge determined that Calix was removable because he had illegally registered and voted in the 2004 election, a decision which was upheld on appeal by the Third Circuit.

Source: https://herit.ag/3iWVLni

StateNew JerseyYear2011NameAngel ColonCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Angel Colon pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree election fraud for fraudulently submitting absentee messenger ballots on behalf of voters who never received the ballots or had an opportunity to cast their votes. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Source: https://herit.ag/374K2O0

StateNew JerseyYear2011NameRonald HarrisCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Ronald Harris pleaded guilty to charges in connection with an absentee ballot fraud conspiracy, in which he and 13 others shredded ballots which cast votes for the opposition during the 2009 Atlantic City Democratic primary. He was sentenced to 181 days in prison.

Source: https://herit.ag/2Z5up8g

StateNew JerseyYear2011NameRobert TierneyCase TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFalse Registrations

Robert Tierney, a New Brunswick police officer, entered into a pre-trial intervention program (PTI), in relation to theft by deception and voter fraud charges that were filed by the New Brunswick Police Department. An investigation revealed Tierney voted four times between 2005 and 2009 in New Brunswick, while actually living in Milltown. He pleaded guilty and was recommended for the PTI program by the state's probation division. Upon completion of the diversionary program, the charged will be dismissed.

Source: https://herit.ag/372GX0X

StateNew JerseyYear2010NameErnest StorrCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Ernest Storr pleaded guilty to committing absentee ballot fraud by tampering with ballots in the Atlantic City mayoral campaigns of Marty Small and former Mayor Scott Evans. Storr tampered with absentee ballots and instructed a Small campaign worker to do the same. Storr was one of 14 individuals arrested on various voter fraud charges involving Councilman Small's failed 2009 mayoral bid. He was sentenced to probation in May 2013.

Source: https://herit.ag/3i8YUS4

StateNew JerseyYear2010NameGianine NarvaezCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Gianine Narvaez, a former data processing technician for the Essex County Commissioner of Registration and Superintendent of Elections, pleaded guilty to third-degree charges of absentee ballot fraud and tampering with public records or information. Narvaez was sentenced to a three-year prison term.

Source: https://herit.ag/2Wsqj95

StateNew JerseyYear2009NameSamuel GonzalezCase TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Samuel Gonzalez was indicted for tampering with ballots and fraudulently submitting ballots in favor of New Jersey Senator Teresa Ruiz. He and his co-conspirators obtained messenger ballots from the county clerk and submitted them to the board of elections as votes on behalf of voters who, in fact, never received or filled out their ballots. Gonzalez agreed to forfeit his seat on the freeholder board and his job as an aide to a Newark city councilman, and was admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.

Source: https://herit.ag/3BJj4JY

StateNew JerseyYear2009NameJamel HolleyCase TypeDiversion ProgramFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Former Roselle Borough Council President Jamel Holley was charged with absentee ballot fraud for filling out and submitting more than 20 ballots in the 2006 election. The judge permitted Holley to enter into a pretrial intervention program for one year (if successfully completed, the charges would be dismissed) and to pay a $125 fine. Holley has since been elected mayor of Roselle and appointed to the New Jersey General Assembly.

Source: https://herit.ag/3i3o4RU, https://herit.ag/2UV43UH

StateNew JerseyYear2009NameJohn Fernandez, Edwin Cruz, and Rocio…Case TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeFraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Rocio Rivera and Edwin Cruz were indicted for tampering with ballots and fraudulently submitting ballots in favor of New Jersey Senator Teresa Ruiz. They and a fellow co-conspirator obtained messenger ballots from the county clerk and submitted them to the board of elections as votes on behalf of voters who, in fact, never received or filled out their ballots. John Fernandez was convicted of conspiracy (2nd degree), election fraud (2nd degree), absentee ballot fraud (3rd degree), tampering with public records or information (3rd degree), and forgery (4th degree). Cruz pleaded guilty to third-degree tampering with public records or information, and Rivera pleaded guilty to third-degree absentee ballot fraud.

Source: https://herit.ag/3x2taC8

StateNew JerseyYear2003NameRonald CallawayCase TypeCriminal ConvictionFraud TypeDuplicate Voting

Ronald Callaway, also known as Jihad Q. Abdullah, and related to the infamous Atlantic City Callaway Political Organization, pleaded guilty to voting nine times in four elections. He was sentenced to one year in jail.

Source: https://herit.ag/3EAcmHv, https://herit.ag/3Aq8CGk

Key & Definitions

Types of Cases

Criminal Conviction

Any case that results in a defendant entering a plea of guilty or no contest, or being found guilty in court of election-related offenses.

Judicial Finding

A finding by a court of law that fraud occurred in an election, including judicial orders overturning election results or ordering a new election due to fraud.

Civil Penalty

Any civil case resulting in fines or other penalties imposed for a violation of election laws.

Official Finding

A finding by a government body that fraud occurred in an election, including orders overturning election results or ordering a new election due to fraud.

Diversion Program

Any criminal case in which a judge directs a defendant into a pre-trial diversion program, or stays or defers adjudication with the understanding that the conviction will be cleared upon completion of the program.

Types of Voter Fraud

Fraudulent Use Of Absentee Ballots

Requesting absentee ballots and voting without the knowledge of the actual voter; or obtaining the absentee ballot from a voter and either filling it in directly and forging the voter’s signature or illegally telling the voter who to vote for.

Ineligible Voting

Illegal registration and voting by individuals who are not U.S. citizens, are convicted felons, or are otherwise not eligible to vote.

Impersonation Fraud At The Polls

Voting in the name of other legitimate voters and voters who have died, moved away, or lost their right to vote because they are felons, but remain registered.

Buying Votes

Paying voters to cast either an in-person or absentee ballot for a particular candidate.

Ballot Petition Fraud

Forging the signatures of registered voters on the ballot petitions that must be filed with election officials in some states for a candidate or issue to be listed on the official ballot

Duplicate Voting

Registering in multiple locations and voting in the same election in more than one jurisdiction or state.

False Registrations

Voting under fraudulent voter registrations that either use a phony name and a real or fake address or claim residence in a particular jurisdiction where the registered voter does not actually live and is not entitled to vote.

Altering The Vote Count

Changing the actual vote count either in a precinct or at the central location where votes are counted.

Illegal "Assistance" At The Polls

Forcing or intimidating voters—particularly the elderly, disabled, illiterate, and those for whom English is a second language—to vote for particular candidates while supposedly providing them with “assistance.”