(ProsperNews.net) – Four Democrats have been charged with electoral fraud in Connecticut. Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin announced that Bridgeport activists Alfredo Castillo, Wanda Geter-Pataky, Nilsa Heredia, and Josephine Edmonds are all charged with Unlawful Possession of Absentee Ballots and other offenses. Edmonds, Geter-Pataky, and Heredia face additional charges of Tampering With a Witness, while Geter-Pataky, Castillo, and Heredia are accused of Misrepresenting Eligibility Requirements for Voting by Absentee Ballot.
The case dates back to 2019 and allegations of ballot mishandling in the Democratic primaries for Bridgeport Mayor. After investigating the claims, the State Elections Enforcement Commission referred the matter to the Division of Criminal Justice, prompting the Statewide Prosecution Bureau within the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney to conduct a joint inquiry.
A statement from the Division of Criminal Justice details the charges. Wanda Geter-Pataky is accused of failing to sign as an assister on an absentee ballot she personally filled out, and of misrepresenting requirements for absentee ballots. She allegedly told one voter not to attend the polling station and told her not to speak to anyone about the election.
Nilsa Heredia allegedly misrepresented absentee ballot requirements and “instructed prospective voters on which candidate to select.”
Alfredo Castillo faces similar charges and is also accused of lying about absentee voting and “helping” voters fill out their forms.
Josephine Edmonds was allegedly present when four voters filled out their ballots, which she then took possession of. Edmonds is furthermore accused of attempting to persuade witnesses not to testify against her.
Mr. Griffin said he hopes the prosecutions will send a message to political activists that underhand tactics will not go unpunished.
The alleged fraud took place during a hotly contested primary election in which incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim faced a challenge from state Senator Marilyn Moore. Gamin won the backing of the town council – which included Wanda Geter-Pataky and Alfredo Castillo. Mr. Ganim won the election by just 270 votes.
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