Felony charges have been filed against a Terre Haute-area man, accused of casting illegal ballots in multiple elections, according to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. The joint action by the state's top legal officer and the local prosecutor marks a significant development in election integrity efforts within Vigo County and across Indiana.
The individual facing these allegations is Francisco Aguilar Romero. Prosecutors state that Mr. Romero, who was born in Mexico and holds DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status, initially registered to vote in 2018. Following his registration, he allegedly participated in six separate elections, casting ballots from 2018 through the current year of 2024. These actions form the basis of the charges brought forward by the prosecution.
Mr. Romero is specifically charged with several felony counts, including false registration, perjury, and voting while ineligible. Each of these charges carries serious legal consequences under Indiana law. If convicted, Mr. Romero faces a potential prison sentence of up to 11-and-a-half years.
Attorney General Rokita has publicly noted the historical significance of this case, stating that it represents the first prosecution of its kind in Indiana. The Attorney General is also using the context of this case to advocate for legislative changes at the federal level, urging Congress to pass a measure known as the SAVE America Act. The prosecution underscores a focus on the legal parameters surrounding voter eligibility and registration processes within the state.
According to the allegations made by the prosecutors, the pattern of voting spanned several years, from his initial registration in 2018 up to elections held in 2024. The formal filing of charges by both the Attorney General's office and the Vigo County Prosecutor's office indicates a coordinated effort to address the accusations of illegal voting. The case will proceed through the legal system in Vigo County, where Mr. Romero faces the prospect of substantial penalties if the charges are proven. The specific nature of the charges—false registration, perjury, and voting while ineligible—collectively address various facets of the alleged violations of election law. This case sets a precedent for how Indiana will handle similar matters in the future, as highlighted by Attorney General Rokita's statement regarding its unique position as the state's initial prosecution of this type.
