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Authorities further allege that after participating in elections, each defendant later submitted Form N-400 applications for naturalization in which they allegedly swore under penalty of perjury that they had never registered to vote or voted in any federal election.
Officials describe the alleged pattern as a two-step deception: first obtaining access to the voting system illegally, then allegedly concealing that conduct during the immigration and citizenship process.
Among those charged is 73-year-old David Neewilly, identified as a Liberian national. Prosecutors allege Neewilly voted in both the 2020 and 2024 general elections, contests that included the presidential race. He is charged with one count of voting by an alien in a federal election and one count of making false statements in connection with naturalization.
Another defendant, Jacenth Beadle, a Jamaican national, is accused of illegally voting in the 2020 election and later making false statements during his citizenship application process. He faces one count of making false statements in relation to naturalization.
Idan Choresh, described as an Israeli national, is accused of participating in the 2022 midterm elections despite not being a U.S. citizen at the time. Prosecutors say Choresh is charged with voting by an alien in a federal election, unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, and making false statements in relation to naturalization.
The fourth individual, Abhinandan Vig, an Indian national, is accused of voting in the 2020 presidential election and later attempting to obtain citizenship through allegedly false statements. He faces one count of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization.
If convicted, each defendant faces significant penalties under federal law. Voting by a noncitizen in a federal election carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Making false statements in immigration proceedings carries up to five years. Charges related to unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Federal officials emphasized that the charges reflect a broader effort to enforce election integrity laws and ensure that only eligible voters participate in U.S. elections.
“As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in, and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct. Today’s charges reflect this Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system, and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
The Justice Department also issued a forceful statement underscoring its position on noncitizen voting and immigration fraud.
“This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible. As alleged, these green card holders lied in order to register to vote and then lied again to immigration authorities by falsely claiming never to have voted in a federal election,” added acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Justice Department will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, including by prosecuting any noncitizens who lie about their legal status in an attempt to vote.”
The cases are now expected to proceed through federal court, where prosecutors will present evidence supporting the allegations. If proven, the charges could result in prison sentences, fines, and immigration consequences including denial of citizenship.
