Feds form task force to watch for fraud in Maryland elections

Annapolis (Map, News) - A team of federal prosecutors and FBI agents has been deployed to investigate any allegations of election fraud in Maryland, federal officials said Wednesday.

“Our goal is to prevent election fraud and preserve public confidence in the integrity of the democratic process,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein.

“We will review all allegations in a nonpartisan manner and pursue any evidence that warrants criminal prosecution.”

Baltimore FBI Special Agent in Charge William Chase urged residents who observe “questionable election practices, or who [become] aware of specific information regarding electoral corruption” to contact the FBI immediately.

“If they hear or see anything unusual, and they feel uncomfortable, please let us know,” said Baltimore FBI spokeswoman Michelle Crnkovich.

The federal task force has consulted with Maryland Elections Administrator Linda Lamone, Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr. and Maryland Special Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh to discuss the procedures to handle allegations of election fraud or voting rights violations.

Prosecutors have designated Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Dunne and Tonya Kowitz to serve as district election officers and lead the federal task force. They will review any allegations that arise before the election; the team will remain on duty throughout the day while the polls are open.

The federal task force will consult with officials at Justice Department headquarters in Washington about any complaints that may warrant federal criminal investigation, and direct other complaints to the appropriate state or local authorities.

The team will be on the lookout for various crimes, ranging from forgery to campaign finance violations.

Voters with concerns should contact the FBI at 410-265-8080.

ON THE LOOKOUT

Federal officials will be looking out for:

» Forgery of ballots

» Theft of ballots

» Providing false or fictitious information

» Voting by noncitizens

» Corruption by election officials

» Bribery of voters

» Intimidation of voters

» Rendering false vote tabulations

» Campaign financing violations

Source: Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office

lbroadwater@baltimoreexaminer.com