Bee County Attorney’s Office charges four in election fraud scheme
Published: Tue, 10/03/23
Bee County Attorney’s Office charges four in election fraud scheme
Bee County Commissioners Carlos Salazar Jr., Pct. 1 sits at a commissioners meeting at the Bee County Courthouse.
(File photo)
Beeville Bee Piciyune
Oct 2, 2023
The Bee County Attorney’s Office, through First Assistant Brian Watson, announced last Friday the charges against four individuals in an alleged significant election fraud case, shedding light on alleged acts committed during the 2022 election cycle.
The individuals charged and their respective counts are as follows:
• Carlos Salazar Jr., former Bee County Commissioner and Deputy Voter Registrar: Eight counts of Tampering with Government Records and False Application for Voter Ballot.
• Edward Salazar: Six counts of Tampering with Government Records and False Application for Voter Ballot.
• Linda Salazar: Two counts of Tampering with Government Records and False Application for Voter Ballot.
• Edward Lucas Salazar: One count of Illegal Voting.
Elections Administrator Laura Warnix first uncovered the alleged fraudulent activities. Following her alleged findings, a comprehensive investigation was initiated by the Bee County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the State Attorney General’s Office.
The core of the alleged scheme centers around members of a local political candidate’s family who allegedly provided false statements, asserting residence in an abandoned house situated on Beeville’s west side. By falsely claiming this residence, the individuals intended to change their precincts, positioning themselves to vote for a family member actively campaigning within the precinct in question.
“This organized, fraudulent activity was a clear attempt to undermine the integrity of our election process,” said First Assistant Bee County Attorney Brian Watson. “We will not tolerate any attempt to defraud the voters of Bee County.”
"The Bee County Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and trust in our election processes, regardless of party or affiliation. We encourage any citizens with additional information regarding this case or other potential instances of election fraud to come forward."
Information submitted by the Bee County Attorney’s Office