The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that it had charged 18 noncitizens with illegally voting in North Carolina’s 2024 election, bringing the statewide total to 30 indictments this year.
Federal officials stated that the defendants included one illegal immigrant and 17 lawful permanent residents from countries including Guatemala, Bermuda, Colombia, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The charges allege that the individuals registered to vote between 2000 and 2024 and cast ballots in multiple elections, including the 2024 general election.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The DOJ’s indictments mark the latest enforcement action in a broader effort to address alleged illegal voting in federal elections. Among those charged is Selvin Porfidio Gonzalez Escobar, a 43-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala residing in Robeson County, North Carolina. Escobar is accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register in 2020 and voting in the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
Other defendants include Elizabeth Margaret Crudup of Kenya, charged with registering to vote in 2008 and allegedly voting in nine general elections (2008–2024) and nine primary elections (2008–2026). Gregory Eugene Wade of Bermuda is accused of registering in 2000 and voting in 12 general elections (2000–2024) and two primary elections (2002, 2020).
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Federal Enforcement Rationale
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter stated in a press release that “illegal voting is just that: illegal.” He emphasized that noncitizens are prohibited from voting in U.S. federal elections and that enforcement is necessary to preserve the integrity of the ballot box.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle of the Eastern District of North Carolina echoed this sentiment, asserting that “every noncitizen who chooses to illegally vote subverts our constitutional republic.” Boyle added that “there is no more important right a citizen possesses than the right to vote.”
Legal Consequences & Penalties
The charges carry potential penalties of:
- Up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register or vote.
- Up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for voting as a noncitizen.
The indictments were issued by a federal grand jury in North Carolina, with cases spanning three federal districts in the state.
Broader National Context
The DOJ’s actions in North Carolina are part of a wider nationwide enforcement push, with federal officials reporting approximately 160 noncitizens charged for illegal voting and registration offenses between January 2025 and September 2026. The agency has framed these prosecutions as part of an effort to ensure public confidence in election integrity.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson highlighted the stakes in North Carolina, a swing state, noting that in recent municipal elections, 14 races were decided by two votes, 15 by one vote, and 7 were tied. He stated that “every vote matters” and that “the public must have confidence that elections are conducted fairly.”
Defendants’ Backgrounds & Alleged Violations
The indictments detail the alleged voting histories of the defendants, including:
- Amerigo Di Nolfi, a 53-year-old Italian national and UK citizen who is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., charged with falsely claiming citizenship and voting in the 2024 general election in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
- Jacqueline Yvonne Papandreou Brown, a 63-year-old Singaporean national and UK citizen, accused of registering to vote in 2008 and allegedly voting in multiple elections in Duplin County, North Carolina.
The DOJ’s filings indicate that the defendants registered to vote at various points between 2000 and 2024, with some allegedly participating in primary and general elections across multiple years.