BRIDGEPORT — Tensions are rising in Bridgeport as the Democratic primary for the city council approaches, with only 10 days remaining until the vote. The political drama intensified Friday with a new arrest, as City Councilman Alberto Castillo was charged with 10 more counts related to absentee ballot fraud.
After turning himself in at the state police barracks, Castillo revealed he had been informed of more arrests in the ongoing investigation. “Apparently the state has continued on with their investigation and alleges new criminal conduct by Mr. Castillo. We will study the evidence the state claims it has and determine if their case holds water,” said Castillo’s attorney, Frank Riccio II.
Castillo, already facing charges from absentee ballot fraud in the 2019 and 2023 mayoral campaigns, now faces new charges connected to absentee ballots used in the September 2023 Bridgeport Democratic Primary. He has been charged with four counts of illegal possession of absentee ballots, four counts of failing to sign as an assister on absentee ballots, and two counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for absentee voting. He was released on a promise to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Sept. 2.
This arrest came on the heels of a heated legal battle over the validity of candidates in the 137th District Democratic primary. Council President Aidee Nieves and Councilwoman Maria Valle, who represent the East Side of Bridgeport, filed a lawsuit against the city clerk and Secretary of State, arguing that challengers Ismael Sanchez Jr. and Isaac Dickerson had not submitted valid petitions to appear on the ballot. Their petitions, they claim, did not follow the state’s requirement to have petitioners witness signatures.
Sanchez and Dickerson had submitted 187 signatures, but the lawsuit alleges that these signatures were not properly witnessed by the candidates themselves, violating election law. A hearing saw testimony from several witnesses, including one person who claimed city activist Tony Barr, not Sanchez or Dickerson, witnessed their petition signature. The plaintiffs are seeking to have Sanchez and Dickerson disqualified from the primary.
As the investigation continues, Castillo, along with several others including council members Maria Pereira and former council member Jazmarie Melendez, as well as campaign workers and Democratic committee members, are facing charges related to absentee ballot fraud. A sixth campaign worker already pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
The case has raised concerns about election integrity in Bridgeport as the primary election draws nearer, with a judge expected to rule on the petition lawsuit by Tuesday, his last day as the civil presiding judge in the Bridgeport court.
