Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin has charged four Bridgeport residents with mishandling absentee ballots during the city's 2019 mayoral primary.
Western Journal reported that Alfredo Castillo, 52; Wanda Geter-Pataky, 67; Josephine Edmonds, 62; and Nilsa Heredia, 61, face multiple charges related to unlawful possession of absentee ballots and other election-related offenses.
The charges followed an extensive investigation by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). After a civil investigation, the SEEC referred the case to the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), which conducted a nearly year-long investigation before pressing charges. The accused were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to appear in court on June 24.
Chief State’s Attorney Griffin emphasized the importance of election integrity in his statement. He appreciated the efforts of the Statewide Prosecution Bureau in uncovering these alleged violations.
The detailed charges against the four individuals include tampering with a witness, misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, failing to maintain an absentee ballot distribution list, and being present when an absentee ballot applicant executes an absentee ballot. These charges highlight various ways the accused allegedly manipulated the absentee ballot process.
For example, Geter-Pataky is accused of failing to sign as an assister on an absentee ballot application and misrepresenting eligibility requirements. Heredia reportedly instructed voters on which candidate to select and admitted to not submitting an absentee ballot distribution list. Castillo is accused of similar violations, including failing to maintain an absentee ballot distribution list and misrepresenting eligibility requirements.
These charges stem from allegations of mishandling absentee ballots during the September 2019 Democratic primary election for mayor of Bridgeport. Following the allegations, the office of the Secretary of State referred the matter to the SEEC, which opened a civil investigation. This process ultimately led to the criminal charges announced by the DCJ.
Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim emphasized the importance of election integrity in his response to the charges. He stated that any irregularity is unacceptable and stressed the need for a fair election process.
Integrity of our voting process is vital to our democracy. I appreciate the attention and time the Statewide Prosecution Bureau put into these investigations. I hope these prosecutions will send a message that deters tampering with election results in the future in Connecticut.
The upcoming court date on June 24 will be crucial for the accused to respond to these charges. It is essential to note that all four defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This legal principle underscores the importance of a fair trial and due process.
The charges are a significant development in the ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of the election process in Connecticut. The SEEC’s initial civil investigation and subsequent criminal investigation by the DCJ reflect the state's commitment to addressing election-related violations.
Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim provided further insight into the situation, noting that his office only learned about the charges through media reports. He reiterated the importance of maintaining voter rights and a fair election process:
Whether it’s people accused from the Moore campaign or my campaign — any irregularity is unacceptable. We all agree that the integrity of the voting process is vital to our democracy. Charges that question that integrity are of concern. I always stand for maintaining the rights of the voters and a fair election. These matters pertaining to both 2019 campaigns are now in the courts and will be addressed through the justice system.
Four Bridgeport residents have been charged with mishandling absentee ballots during the 2019 mayoral primary. The charges include various election-related offenses, and the accused are scheduled to appear in court on June 24. These developments follow a thorough investigation by the SEEC and the DCJ, highlighting the state's commitment to upholding election integrity. Both the Chief State’s Attorney and Bridgeport’s Mayor emphasize the importance of a fair and transparent voting process.
