5 out-of-state suspects arrested in Nebraska petition fraud investigation, deputies say

Five out-of-state suspects are in custody after Lancaster County deputies say petitions submitted to the election commission contained fraudulent signatures.

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5 out-of-state suspects arrested in Lancaster County petition fraud investigation, deputies say

LINCOLN, Neb. —

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said five people, who all live out of the state of Nebraska, are in custody as part of an investigation into allegations of fraudulent signatures on petitions.

Officials said the petitions submitted to the Lancaster County Election Commission contained fraudulent signatures.

Fraudulent signatures case

Five people arrested for collecting fraudulent signatures on a petition
Signatures were notarized and turned in to Lancaster County Election Commission
All five suspects are from out-of-state

Investigators said circulators were allegedly involved in collecting fraudulent signatures, having those notarized, and submitting the petitions for ballot measures.

“Nothing in our investigation makes us believe any political entity is working or affiliated with this. These are people out doing crimes,” Ben Houchin, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy, said.

Arrest warrants were obtained for suspects who have allegedly falsely sworn to information on petition circulator affidavits, which is a felony under Nebraska law, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said.

The U.S. Marshals Service helped locate and arrest five suspects in Nevada, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Missouri, officials said.

Deputies said the investigation is “focused solely on violation of Nebraska state statutes and is separate from the election process.”

In a statement, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said his office is “committed to protecting the integrity of the petition process.”

“The Office of the Attorney General takes petition fraud allegations seriously and will work with partnered agencies to root it out wherever it may be found and bring those who commit it to justice. We are committed to protecting the integrity of the petition process and maintaining public trust. When credible information arises, we dedicate the resources needed to examine each situation thoroughly. Our office enforces election laws without bias, fear, or favor,” Hilgers said.

In a statement, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called for lawmakers to restore the ban on pay-per-signature for petitions.

“I call on the Legislature to reform this system and to restore the ban on pay-per-signature. I’m grateful to the law enforcement who are protecting our election system and investigating this election fraud, and expect those responsible at every level to be held accountable to the fullest extent under the law,” Pillen said.

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