Texas Democrat Party chair and at least 9 others have been indicted for alleged voter fr*ud
Juan Manuel Medina, former Bexar County Democratic Party Chair and San Antonio mayoral candidate, was indicted on two counts of voter harvesting as part of an investigation led by Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The probe, targeting alleged election fr*ud in South Texas, resulted in nine indictments, including Medina and former Texas House candidate Cecilia Castellano.
The charges stem from a 2021 Texas law that makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly provide or offer “vote harvesting services” for compensation, except for caregivers who are helping eligible mail-in voters.
Medina is accused of acting as a third party to facilitate payments for vote harvesting services to support Castellano’s 2024 campaign for Texas House District 80, which she lost to Republican Don McLaughlin.
The investigation alleges that Medina offered money to people, including Rachel Leal and former Dilley council member Inelda Rodriguez, in February 2024 for these services.
Others who were indicted include former Pearsall Mayor Petra Davina Trevino (one count), and former Dilley Mayor Mary Ann Obregon (two counts),
The investigation started in 2022 following a complaint from a Frio County Democrat primary runoff candidate, leading to search warrants executed in August 2024, during which Medina’s home was raided and Castellano’s phone was seized.
Seven suspects turned themselves in to Frio County Jail after indictments were handed down.
Inelda Rodriguez, former Dilley council member — three counts of vote harvesting
Mary Ann Obregon, former Dilley Mayor — two counts of vote harvesting
Rachel Leal — one count of vote harvesting
Cecilia Castellano, former Texas House candidate — two counts of vote harvesting
Susanna Flores Carrizales — one count .of vote harvesting
Raul Carrizales III, Frio County Precinct 3 Commissioner — one count of vote harvesting
Maricela Garcia Benavides, Pearsall ISD Board Secretary — one count of vote harvesting
