Four resident aliens in New Jersey were charged on April 27 with illegally voting in federal elections and making false statements while applying for United States citizenship, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
The charges address concerns about the integrity of the election system and naturalization process. Federal authorities say the defendants registered to vote despite not being citizens, then falsely certified their status both on voter registration forms and during their naturalization applications.
According to criminal complaints, David Neewilly of Atlantic County, Jacenth Beadle Exum of Bergen County, Idan Choresh of Monmouth County, and Abhinandan Vig of Monmouth County each cast ballots in at least one federal election while not being U.S. citizens. Neewilly voted in the 2020 and 2024 general elections; Beadle Exum and Vig voted in the 2020 general election; Choresh voted in the 2022 general election. Each later submitted an N-400 application for naturalization falsely claiming never to have registered or voted in any federal elections.
Frazer said: “As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in, and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct. Today’s charges reflect this Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system, and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said: “This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible… This Justice Department will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, including by prosecuting any noncitizens who lie about their legal status in an attempt to vote.” FBI Director Kash Patel added: “Noncitizens voting is a federal crime – period – … We continue to work around the clock with our interagency partners to ensure those who engage in such conduct will not get away with it.”
ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said: “HSI is actively investigating and rooting out election fraud wherever it can be found… HSI is committed to ensuring integrity in our election systems…” FBI Newark Special Agent Stefanie Roddy stated: “The subjects are alleged to have knowingly circumvented one of our most sacred rights as citizens, the right to vote…” HSI Newark Special Agent Michael S. McCarthy added: “HSI remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement partners…”
If convicted on all counts, maximum penalties range from one year for illegal voting up through ten years’ imprisonment for unlawful procurement or false statements related to naturalization.
These cases were brought under the Election Integrity Task Force coordinated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey—a component staffed by about 170 attorneys and support personnel according to its official website. The office advances community safety through law enforcement coordination across statewide locations including Newark, Trenton, and Camden according to its official website. It prosecutes federal crimes such as terrorism or public corruption while representing civil matters across New Jersey according to its official website.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McCarren, Joseph McFarlane (Special Prosecutions Division), and Benjamin D. Bleiberg (Criminal Division). The allegations remain accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
