WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsCharges filed in election fraud case

Charges filed in election fraud case

MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- Yadira Colon faces two counts of election fraud and two counts of falsification of nomination papers. Yadira Colon is not related to State Representative Pedro Colon.

The alleged incidents occurred in March and June, 2008. According to a criminal complaint, Ms. Colon falsified nomination papers by forging signatures and certifying that she had personally obtained each signature on pages two and three of the nomination papers for Pedro A. Colon for Representative to the Assembly in the 8th District. Additionally, Ms. Colon is accused of completing a voter registration application on March 27, 2008, at the City of Milwaukee Election Commission. Ms. Colon listed her address as being in Milwaukee when she actually lived in Oshkosh. Ms. Colon also submitted an absentee ballot in the City of  Milwaukee during the April 2008 election when she did not meet the residency requirements.

The maximum possible penalty for election fraud is three years and six months in jail or a $10,000 fine or both for each count. The maximum possible penalty for falsification of nomination papers is the same.

Based on the investigation into Ms. Colon's actions, Representative Pedro Colon will not be charged.