Five Charged in Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Investigation
Five Individuals Arrested and Charged
Inspectors from the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney arrested five individuals in connection with an investigation into the handling of absentee ballots during the 2023 mayoral election cycle in Bridgeport. The suspects include Wanda Geter-Pataky, 68, Alredo Castillo, 53, Maria Pereira, 57, Jazmarie Melendez, 26, and Margaret Joyce, 45. Geter-Pataky is a former city employee and the vice chair of the Bridgeport Democrats, while Castillo and Pereira are still serving as Bridgeport council members. Joyce is from Stratford.
Allegations and Charges
The allegations claim that absentee ballots were misused during the Democratic primary for mayor in 2023 between incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim and his challenger, John Gomes. Ganim was declared the winner after the absentee ballot votes put him ahead of Gomes. A judge ordered a new primary after a video surfaced showing Geter-Pataky putting several ballots into an absentee ballot box in the city.
Geter-Pataky was charged with 42 counts of possession of ballots and envelopes restricted, two counts of fraudulent voting, 22 counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, 17 counts of being present when an absentee ballot applicant executes an absentee ballot, and nine counts of conspiracy to commit possession of ballots and envelopes restricted.
Castillo was charged with five counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, five counts of being present when an absentee ballot applicant executes an absentee ballot, and eight counts of possession of ballots and envelopes restricted. His attorney denied any wrongdoing by his client, stating that it was too early to tell if there was a conspiracy.
Pereira was charged with 20 counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, four counts of being present when an absentee ballot applicant executes an absentee ballot, five counts of possession of ballots and envelopes restricted, second-degree forgery, and disorderly conduct. She was defiant after her arrest, stating that she would win the case.
Melendez was charged with six counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot. Joyce was charged with four counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, four counts of possession of ballots and envelopes restricted, and fraudulent voting.
Release and Court Appearance
All five individuals were released on a promise to appear and are scheduled to appear in court on March 6.
Conclusion
The investigation into the handling of absentee ballots during the 2023 mayoral election cycle in Bridgeport has resulted in the arrest and charging of five individuals. The allegations of misused absentee ballots and fraudulent activities have led to a re-do of the primary election, and the subsequent charges against these individuals underscore the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the allegations against the five individuals?
A: The allegations claim that absentee ballots were misused during the 2023 Democratic primary for mayor in Bridgeport.
Q: What were the charges against the five individuals?
A: The charges included possession of ballots and envelopes restricted, fraudulent voting, misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot, and conspiracy to commit possession of ballots and envelopes restricted.
Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The five individuals are scheduled to appear in court on March 6.
