Featured

Paxton Announces 9 Indictments in Vote Harvesting Scheme

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.”

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump Offers UT Austin Funding Under Political Compact

President Donald Trump's (R) administration is offering the University of Texas access to increased federal…

2 days ago

Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse

Robert Morris, the influential Texas pastor who founded Gateway Church, pleaded guilty this week to…

2 days ago

Fentanyl Deaths in Texas Dropped 42% Following the 'One Pill Kills' Campaign

Newly released data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows fentanyl-related poisoning…

2 days ago

Ken Paxton Orders Cities to Halt Potentially Illegal Property Tax Hikes

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has directed four towns, La Marque, Odessa, Tom Bean, and…

2 days ago

LONESTAR — 10.3.2025 — Gregg Abbott Launches Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office — Matt Gaetz Endorse Chip Roy for Texas Attorney General — and More...

Greg Abbott Announces Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced this week the…

2 days ago

No Work, No Pay: The Debate Over Congressional Salaries During Government Shutdown

As the federal government officially shuts down, many Americans are asking: Should members of Congress…

3 days ago