Lawrence city councilor pleads guilty to voter fraud charges, DA says

Lawrence city councilor Fidelina Santiago pleaded guilty to voter fraud charges related to the city's 2023 municipal election. She admitted to four counts of unlawful voting, four counts of interfering with a voter, and four counts of obstructing voting. Prosecutors chose not to pursue four additional conspiracy charges against her. Santiago's co-defendant, Jennifer Lopez, failed to appear for a plea hearing and maintains her not guilty plea. The investigation was initiated after the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office alerted prosecutors to allegations of fraudulent voting.

Santiago, who has no prior criminal history, faces sentencing in October, with her lawyer requesting three years of probation and community service. The case highlights concerns over electoral integrity in local governance. Santiago's actions could hinder public trust in the electoral process.