Caught in the web of political ambition, four Democratic campaign officials face the chilling consequences of their alleged ballot fraud activities, unraveling the fabric of trust in Bridgeport's electoral process.
Four campaign officials affiliated with the Democratic Party have faced charges in connection with a ballot fraud case linked to the 2019 mayoral primary race in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as announced by prosecutors.
Among those charged were Wanda Geter-Pataky, a city hall employee and vice chairwoman of the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee, and City Councilor Alfredo Castillo. Also facing charges are Nilsa Heredia and Josephine Edmonds, accused of involvement in fraudulent activities.
During the primary race, three of the defendants supported Mayor Joe Ganim, while Edmonds backed his primary opponent, State Sen. Marilyn Moore, as reported by Connecticut Public Radio.
Allegations against Geter-Pataky include failing to properly sign as an assister on an absentee ballot application and providing false information about eligibility requirements for absentee voting. Additionally, she purportedly instructed a citizen to avoid voting in person and instructed her not to discuss the matter with anyone.
Further scrutiny arose during the investigation when video evidence emerged allegedly showing Geter-Pataky placing papers into a ballot drop box during Ganim's reelection bid in 2023.
Heredia allegedly directed prospective voters to select a specific candidate on their absentee ballots and is accused of similar misrepresentation of eligibility requirements.
Castillo is implicated in failing to maintain an absentee ballot distribution list, misrepresenting eligibility requirements for absentee voting, and failing to properly sign as an assister on an absentee ballot application. He initially denied assisting a prospective voter but later admitted to it during an investigation.
Edmonds is accused of being present while voters filled out their absentee ballots at their home and then taking the ballots with her. She also allegedly failed to maintain an absentee ballot distribution list and tampered with a witness.
Despite losing at the polls, Ganim won the 2019 primary with a significant margin in absentee ballots. He denied knowledge of the investigation or case, as reported by Connecticut Public Radio.
Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voting process, hoping that these prosecutions will deter future tampering with election results in Connecticut.
The four defendants have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on June 24.
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