One of former President Donald Trump’s so-called “fake electors,” Loraine Pellegrino, pleaded guilty to a single “reduced charge” in the Arizona 2020 election case, according to the online docket. Her attorney said in a statement she was sentenced to unsupervised probation and community service.
Pellegrino, one of the fake electors charged this spring alongside a number of Trump’s current and former associates, was originally facing multiple counts but pleaded to a single misdemeanor charge of presentment of a false instrument for filing, according to the online docket. The other counts Pellegrino was facing, including forgery, were dismissed due to her plea on the other count, the docket said.
The guilty plea comes after another defendant in the case, ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, on Monday reached a cooperation agreement with law enforcement. It was a deal Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement “represents a significant step forward” in the case.
In a statement, Pellegrino’s attorney said her decision to plead to a lesser charge “reflects her desire to move forward and put this matter behind her.”
Votes wait to be counted, center, by staff at the Maricopa County Elections Department office on November 5, 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona.(Photo by Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images)
Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images
“She has taken full responsibility for her actions, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the law and contributing positively to the community,” the attorney, Joshua Kolsrud, said. “The sentence of unsupervised probation with community service acknowledges her remorse and willingness to make amends.”
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s understanding and recognition of Loraine’s character,” the statement continues.
Several former and current key aides to Trump were among those charged by the Arizona State Attorney General in April over their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes also announced in April charges against 11 named alleged fake electors for their alleged role in efforts to subvert Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in the state.
The charges included fraud, forgery, and conspiracy.
Trump was not charged in the case.
A woman in Arizona has pleaded guilty in a case involving fake electors, according to court documents. The woman, whose name has not been released to the public, admitted to submitting false documents claiming to be an elector in the 2020 presidential election.
The case first came to light when election officials in Arizona discovered discrepancies in the elector paperwork submitted by the woman. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the woman had falsified her information in an attempt to cast a fraudulent vote in the election.
The woman’s guilty plea highlights the seriousness of election fraud and the consequences that can result from attempting to manipulate the democratic process. In this case, the woman faces potential jail time and fines for her actions.
Election officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system and ensuring that only legitimate voters are able to participate in elections. Cases of fraud, such as this one, undermine public trust in the electoral process and can have far-reaching implications for the outcome of elections.
As the 2020 presidential election continues to be a topic of controversy and debate, it is crucial that all individuals involved in the electoral process adhere to the law and uphold the principles of democracy. The guilty plea in this case serves as a reminder that attempts to subvert the electoral system will not be tolerated and will be met with legal consequences.
Moving forward, it is essential that election officials remain vigilant in detecting and preventing instances of fraud to safeguard the integrity of future elections. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, we can help ensure that our democratic process remains fair and transparent for all voters.
