Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Wednesday that six individuals have been indicted on felony charges related to an alleged vote harvesting scheme in Frio County.
This indictment stems from a multi-year investigation into allegations of improper ballot collection during the 2022 election cycle.
Those indicted by Paxton include Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza, Pearsall ISD Trustee Adriann Ramirez, Rosa Rodriguez, an election worker, and former Frio County Elections Administrator Carlos Segura, according to a news release from Paxton’s Office.
The investigation alleges that the individuals used mobile payment apps, such as Cash App, to compensate individuals for collecting and delivering absentee ballots, particularly targeting elderly voters in a local subdivision, according to The New York Times.
Texas law prohibits the practice of “vote harvesting ” unless the person collecting the ballots is a caregiver for the voter.
“The people of Texas deserve fair and honest elections, not backroom deals and political insiders rigging the system. Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable. No one is above the law,” said Paxton in a news release.
“My office will continue to work with Frio County District Attorney Audrey Louis to protect the integrity of our elections.”
District Attorney Audrey Gossett Louis applauded the arrests. He wrote in a statement that “Violating the privacy or voting rights of our elderly or disabled community members will be met with zero tolerance.”
“Targeting these vulnerable voters to sway an election or secure a political position is a direct attack on the principles of our democracy. We are committed to protecting every citizen’s right to vote freely, fairly, and without intimidation.”
The news release from Paxton states that the majority of arrests in this case were conducted on May 2, but Camacho will be processed at a later date for an undisclosed reason.
This case is ongoing, and Paxton’s Election Integrity Unit, along with the Frio County District Attorney, will continue to investigate.