The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced charges and arrests involving 16 green card holders accused of illegally voting in U.S. elections and falsely claiming to be U.S. citizens.
According to federal officials, the individuals allegedly voted in federal elections despite not being U.S. citizens. Some are also accused of providing false information about their voting history or citizenship status during immigration or voter registration proceedings.
Among those charged is 60-year-old Andrea Catanese, an Italian national and green card holder. Prosecutors allege that Catanese voted in the 2024 general election and later falsely stated on his U.S. citizenship application that he had never voted in a federal election. He is also accused of providing false information to an immigration official reviewing his application.
37-year-old Terrance Patrick Evans, a green card holder from the Bahamas, was also charged with allegedly voting in the 2024 federal general election despite knowing that he was not a U.S. citizen.
Federal officials also announced charges against Pedro Pablo Ruiz, a 68-year-old Cuban national, and Zianya Yllaly Zamorano, a Mexican national, for allegedly voting in the 2024 general election. Dudley Francisco Zeledon, a 56-year-old Nicaraguan national, faces a two-count indictment accusing him of voting in both the 2024 primary and general elections.
In Wisconsin, 30-year-old Sara Luma, a North Macedonian national, allegedly registered to vote on Election Day in 2024 and cast a ballot. Prosecutors allege that she falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on her voter registration application. Federal officials said Luma later admitted to registering and voting on November 5.
Other defendants include Bhator Konah Bryant, a 61-year-old Liberian national, who allegedly falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in 2024, and Edvile Vaidoto Edmunds, a 59-year-old Lithuanian national, who allegedly voted illegally in 2022.
Federal officials also identified Joshua Frederick Kofi Edzie, Alan Barbu Kargbo and Paul Kras among those facing allegations related to illegal voting and false citizenship claims.
Five additional green card holders — Fadil Rasim Ozegovic, a Bosnian national; Aparecido Donizetti Padovan, a Brazilian national; Chris Adam Pettiquoi, a Liberian national; Christian Liam Schenk, a Canadian national; and Hester Sophia Weihmann, a South African national — were also accused of illegally voting and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.
Under U.S. law, lawful permanent residents generally cannot vote in federal elections. Providing false information about citizenship status in connection with voter registration or elections can also result in criminal charges.
The allegations have not been proven in court. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.