Three Charged in California for Using Stolen Identities in Ballot Fraud Scheme

Federal prosecutors are taking action against three individuals involved in a scheme to forge ballot petition signatures in Los Angeles. James Brass, 47, from Victorville, Courtney Price, 49, from Jacksonville, Florida, and Jateisha Herron, 33, from Boron, California, are accused of paying residents of Skid Row to sign petitions using stolen identities of registered voters.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California reports that Brass received approximately $41,600 from coordinators associated with a petition management company. All three defendants face conspiracy charges, with Brass and Price also facing an additional count of identity fraud.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "These defendants are charged with using stolen identities of registered voters to manufacture signatures on ballot petitions used to shape California law." He noted that the actions undermine public confidence in the electoral system.

FBI Assistant Director Patrick Grandy added that the scheme poses a threat to democracy and the integrity of the voting process, asserting that the FBI will remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities. If convicted, each defendant could face a maximum of five years in federal prison.