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

Patrick Backs Bill to Ban Fundraising During Special Sessions

State Senator Paul Bettencourt (R) plans on introducing a bill that would curb political fundraising…

5 hours ago

Everllence to Operate New Plant to Stabilize Kerrville Power Rates

Everllence has signed an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement with the Kerrville Public Utility Board…

8 hours ago

Paxton Joins Trump in Fight Against California’s Emission Standards

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has joined ongoing litigation alongside President Donald Trump (R)…

8 hours ago

Paxton Files Emergency Motion to Defend Tarrant County Jurisdiction Amid Legal Clash with Beto O’Rourke

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed an emergency application for a temporary restraining…

8 hours ago

Texas Republicans Pass New Congressional Map Amid Partisan Tensions

Texas Republicans approved a new congressional map that could significantly expand the GOP’s grip on…

8 hours ago

Two Years In, A Lifetime to Guide: the Texas Lobby Guide is the Go-To Capitol Directory

Two years after launching what began as a side project, brothers Dain and Adison Denham…

22 hours ago