Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) announced the indictment and arrest of nine individuals, including several public officials, in connection with a vote harvesting conspiracy uncovered in Frio County.
The charges stem from a multi-year investigation led by the attorney general’s Election Integrity Unit and Frio County District Attorney Audrey Louis.
“Let me be crystal clear: the integrity of our elections is the bedrock of our democratic process, and any elected official trying to cheat the system will have to answer for it,” Attorney General Paxton said in a statement. “Under my watch, attempts to rig elections and silence the will of the voters will be met with the full force of the law.”
The most recent indictments were issued on June 30, 2025, by a Frio County grand jury. Among those indicted were the following:
Manuel Medina, Chief of Staff to State Rep. Elizabeth Campos (D), on 2 counts of vote harvesting
Cecilia Castellano, former candidate for Texas House District 80, on 2 counts
Raul Carrizales, Frio County Commissioner, on 1 count
MaryAnn Obregon, former Dilley Mayor, on 2 counts
Inelda Rodriguez, former Dilley City Council, on 3 counts
Davina Trevino, former Pearsall City Council candidate, on 1 count
Mari Benavides, Pearsall ISD Trustee, on 1 count
Susie Carrizales on 1 count
Rachel Leal on 1 count
According to a press release from the attorney general, several suspects have already self-surrendered and been processed. These follow six previous indictments that were issued on May 1, 2025, which were also connected to the same vote harvesting operation.
The charges stem from alleged coordinated efforts to manipulate mail-in ballots and coerce voters, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The attorney general reaffirmed his office’s ongoing commitment, stating, “I will continue to fight to ensure Texas has free and fair elections and work with the Frio County DA to ensure justice is served in this case.”
