(The Middle Sq.) – Six of the almost 140 folks referred to Ohio Legal professional Common Dave Yost by Secretary of State Frank LaRose for unlawful voting have been indicted.
Yost introduced Tuesday seven instances have been introduced to grand juries final week, leading to six indictments for unlawful voting. A grand jury refused to indict the seventh.
5 of the indictments concerned authorized US everlasting residents with out citizenship. The sixth concerned a noncitizen who was accused of voting in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Solely two of the indictments concerned the 2020 election.
“The best to vote is sacred,” Yost stated. “In case you’re not a US citizen, it’s unlawful to vote – whether or not you thought you have been allowed to or not – you can be held accountable.”
The indictments embody:
- Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton, was indicted in Cuyahoga County on one rely of unlawful voting. Patel was a US citizen when accused of voting in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
- Lorinda Miller, 78, of Hudson, was indicted in Summit County on two counts of unlawful voting. Miller is a authorized everlasting resident however was not a US citizen when accused of voting in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
- Nicholas Fontaine, 32, of Kent, was indicted in Portage County on one rely of unlawful voting. Fontaine is a authorized everlasting resident however was not a US citizen when accused of voting in 2016 and 2018.
- Ahmed Aden, 35, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one rely of unlawful voting. Aden is a authorized everlasting resident however was not a US citizen when accused of voting in 2008 and 2020.
- Van Thuy Cooper, 53, of Hilliard, was indicted in Franklin County on one rely of unlawful voting. Cooper is a authorized everlasting resident however was not a US citizen when accused of voting in 2016 and 2020.
- Mario Dearaujo, 62, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one rely of unlawful voting. Dearaujo is a lawful resident however not a US citizen when accused of voting in 2016 and 2018.
Unlawful voting is a fourth-degree felony. The penalty is as much as 18 months in jail and a $5,000 positive.
Every case had beforehand been referred to county prosecutors.
The case not indicted concerned an Oberlin School pupil who allegedly voted in Ohio and Washington in 2018.
“Irregularities like this are uncommon, and this can be a small variety of instances,” Yost stated. “We must always all be assured within the upcoming election, figuring out that the legal guidelines are being enforced and can proceed to be enforced.”
Yost stated his officer continues investigating voter fraud and has made different referrals to county prosecutors.
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