For Immediate Release

April 9, 2013
 

LAKE CITY – Following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, two Lake City residents surrendered themselves to authorities on charges of election fraud today.  Betty Jefferson, 64, of Lake City, Fla., faces 24 felony and two misdemeanor violations of state election laws, and Linda Ivery, 56, of Lake City, Fla., is charged with six felony and two misdemeanor counts of election law violations.  Both suspects turned themselves into the Columbia County Jail earlier today and were released on their own recognizance.   
 
The allegations stem from the election of Eugene Jefferson to the District 10 city council seat.  Betty Jefferson, wife of Eugene Jefferson, and Ivery allegedly asked voters to sign absentee ballots that were already completed, fraudulently obtained absentee ballots, and attempted to influence or deceive persons into signing absentee ballots.   
 
The investigation began following complaints to the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, and the FBI.   State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, William Cervone, will prosecute this case. 
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001