Nearly five years after the 2019 Bridgeport Democratic mayoral primary, Wanda Geter-Pataky, Alfredo Castillo, and two others have been arrested for election fraud involving absentee ballots.
The Statewide Prosecution Bureau arrested Geter-Pataky, a deputy head of the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee, along with City Councilman Castillo, Nilsa Heredia, and Josephine Edmonds. All four face charges related to the unlawful possession of absentee ballots. Three of the suspects also face charges of tampering with witnesses.
The investigation, initiated after concerns about absentee ballot misuse in the tight 2019 Democratic mayoral primary, led to the arrests. The election, which saw incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim narrowly defeating challenger state Sen. Marilyn Moore by 270 absentee votes, was contested due to allegations of fraud.
The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney stated that following reports of absentee ballot mishandling, the Secretary of State referred the matter to the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). A civil investigation followed, leading to the criminal referral accepted by the Statewide Prosecution Bureau in 2023.
Election Integrity at Stake
Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of the voting process, stating that election fraud undermines democracy. He praised the Statewide Prosecution Bureau’s diligence in pursuing the case, expressing hope that the prosecutions would deter future tampering with election results.
According to court affidavits, Geter-Pataky is accused of filling out absentee ballot applications on behalf of voters, failing to sign as an assister, and misrepresenting voter eligibility for absentee ballots. Castillo faces similar charges, including failing to maintain an absentee ballot distribution list and improperly assisting voters with their applications. Edmonds is accused of being present during the completion of absentee ballots and tampering with witnesses by urging them not to testify truthfully.
The investigation revealed systemic issues with the handling of absentee ballots, with testimony from voters indicating that Ganim campaign workers collected ballots in violation of state law. However, a court trial following the 2019 election concluded that while election law violations were evident, there was insufficient proof to overturn the results of the primary.
Political Reactions
Gov. Ned Lamont responded to the arrests, stating, “Justice will be served,” and emphasizing that election fraud would not be tolerated. Ganim, who ultimately won the general election, reiterated his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the voting process, noting that any irregularities from both his and Moore’s campaigns should be addressed through the justice system.
Moore, who had long contended that she was cheated out of a victory in the primary, said the arrests validate her belief. She expressed frustration with the lengthy investigation and called for appropriate punishment to restore faith in the system.
All four defendants have been released on promises to appear in court.