Devine Announces Election Fraud Charges

State’s Attorney Richard Devine announced charges today against three former employees of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network (NNNN) Organization, with theft and mutilation of election materials for signing and submitting false voter registration applications.

The three charged were hired by the NNNN to register people to vote. They filled out the applications with false names and information and were paid for the false applications submitted. If convicted, each faces up to 5 years in prison.

Today the defendants appeared before Judge Dennis Dernbach and each was given a $20,000 I Bond. The case was continued to April 4.

Jalissa Santiago, 20 of 3426 W. Hirsch St., Chicago, is charged with one count of theft, one count of theft by deception and 18 counts of mutilation of election materials. She worked for NNNN from July 8, 2003 – February 13, 2004.

Migdalia Echevarria, 37 of 2738 W. Crystal St., Chicago, is charged with one count of theft, one count of theft by deception and 13 counts of mutilation of election materials. She worked for NNNN from June 17, 2003 – February 13, 2004.

Windaliz Santiago, 20 of 2738 W. Crystal St., Chicago, is charged with one count of theft, one count of theft by deception and 10 counts of mutilation of election materials. She worked for NNNN from November 25, 2003 – February 13, 2004.

“We want voters in Cook County to know that we take election fraud very seriously, and it will not be tolerated,” Devine said.

In November 2003, two people who served as election judges during the March 2002 Primary pled guilty to one count of mutilation of election materials and ballot box stuffing after they were charged with punching ballots and submitting those ballots.

On Election Day, March 21, the State’s Attorney’s Office will tour polling places and respond to complaints of election fraud. If you suspect fraud on Election Day, contact the State’s Attorney’s Office at 312-603-7960.

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