In a major development Friday, state prosecutors charged five prominent Bridgeport Democrats with over 150 election-related crimes, marking one of the most significant voter fraud cases in Connecticut’s history. The individuals charged include campaign staffer Margaret Joyce, Democratic vice chair Wanda Geter-Pataky, and city council members Alfredo Castillo, Jazmarie Melendez, and Maria Pereira.
The charges stem from an alleged coordinated effort to illegally harvest absentee ballots and manipulate votes for Mayor Joe Ganim and his primary challenger, John Gomes. Among the crimes, the suspects are accused of forging signatures, registering non-citizens to vote, instructing voters on how to vote, and illegally collecting ballots for submission to drop boxes.
Warrants for the suspects suggest that the investigation may not be over, as prosecutors continue to look into possible conspiracy charges involving additional individuals. Notably, Geter-Pataky faces nine conspiracy charges, and although some individuals, like city employee Noel Green, are mentioned in the warrants, they have not yet been charged.
The investigation uncovers a troubling pattern of ballot manipulation, with video footage showing Geter-Pataky and others collecting ballots. The warrant also includes accounts from voters who were allegedly told by Geter-Pataky and Castillo that following their instructions on absentee ballots would result in housing assistance.
Additionally, campaign staffer Margaret Joyce reportedly admitted to collecting ballots at the direction of Ganim and city councilwoman Eneida Martinez, though Martinez has denied any involvement in illegal ballot collection.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities warn that more charges may follow, as Bridgeport officials suspected of enabling or being aware of the illegal activity remain under scrutiny.
