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Turlock man, five others charged with illegally voting in 2024 presidential election
U.S. attorney, department of justice

SACRAMENTO — Federal prosecutors have filed criminal complaints against six noncitizens accused of illegally casting ballots in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California.

U.S. Attorney Grant said the cases underscore the federal government's commitment to protecting the voting rights reserved for U.S. citizens.

"These complaints reflect the seriousness with which the United States government strives to protect the privileges of American citizenship," Grant said in a statement. "The right to vote is one of the most fundamental of those privileges, and its theft by noncitizens will be prosecuted."

According to prosecutors, Rosa Bento Silva Anderson, 26, of Turlock, a Portuguese national, was charged with illegally voting in the Nov. 5, 2024, election.

Authorities also charged Maria Joao Bettencourt, 49, of Visalia, a Portuguese national, Lorie Jane Alcala, 44, of Hanford, a Philippine national and Edith San Pedro Carter, 59, of Fresno, also a Philippine national.

In addition, prosecutors charged Janelyn Stewart, 38, of Vallejo, a Philippine national, with illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election.

A sixth defendant, Meryll Joy Quirong Costi, 36, of Sacramento, a Philippine national, is accused of illegally voting in both the Nov. 8, 2022, midterm election and the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election.

Federal court records show Alcala and Carter made their initial appearances on Oct. 30. Bettencourt, Anderson and Costi are scheduled to make their initial appearances Nov. 2. Costi's hearing is scheduled in Sacramento, while Bettencourt and Anderson are scheduled to appear in Fresno.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Banister and Kevin Khasigian are prosecuting the cases.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Prosecutors noted that the charges are allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.