A Nigerian national residing in Massachusetts is facing a federal case after prosecutors accused her of voting in U.S. elections while she was not an American citizen.
Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, was arrested in Lynn, Massachusetts, on Wednesday.
Federal authorities said she is facing a charge related to unlawful voting by a non-citizen.
Allegations Date Back to 2022
The case centres on voter registration forms that Okafor allegedly submitted in Massachusetts.
According to prosecutors, she registered to vote in July 2022.
The registration form allegedly contained a declaration that she was a U.S. citizen.
Authorities said the City of Lynn subsequently registered her as a voter.
Prosecutors allege that she then cast a ballot during the 2022 midterm elections.
Prosecutors Cite Another Registration
The allegations did not end with the 2022 election.
According to the charging documents, Okafor submitted another voter registration form in October 2023.
Authorities allege that she again selected the option stating that she was a U.S. citizen.
Prosecutors then linked her to the 2024 presidential primary election, alleging that she voted in that election as well.
Nigerian Citizen With Permanent Residency
Federal authorities identified Okafor as a Nigerian citizen who was born in Aba, Nigeria.
The charging documents state that she became a lawful permanent resident in December 2022.
However, she was not a U.S. citizen, according to prosecutors.
Authorities also said she had not applied for U.S. citizenship.
Possible Consequences
The federal charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
A convicted defendant could also receive up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000.
There may also be immigration consequences.
Authorities said Okafor could be subject to deportation after completing any sentence imposed.
Any sentence would ultimately depend on the court and the applicable federal sentencing rules.
Federal Investigation Continues
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
The prosecution comes as the District of Massachusetts continues work through its Benefit & Voter Fraud Team.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, however, made clear that the accusations against Okafor remain allegations.
She has not been convicted of the charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
