Four resident aliens in New Jersey were charged on April 27 with illegally voting in federal elections and making false statements during their U.S. citizenship applications, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the election system and enforce laws regarding voter eligibility. The charges stem from allegations that the individuals, who were not citizens at the time, registered to vote by falsely certifying they were United States citizens and subsequently cast ballots in federal elections.
The defendants—David Neewilly of Atlantic County, Jacenth Beadle Exum of Bergen County, Idan Choresh of Monmouth County, and Abhinandan Vig of Monmouth County—each face separate criminal complaints. According to prosecutors, Neewilly voted in both the 2020 and 2024 general elections; Beadle Exum and Vig voted in the 2020 general election; Choresh voted in the 2022 general election. Each is also accused of submitting naturalization applications that falsely denied any prior registration or voting activity.
“As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in, and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct. Today’s charges reflect this Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system, and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable,” said Frazer.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said: “This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible... This Justice Department will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, including by prosecuting any noncitizens who lie about their legal status in an attempt to vote.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added: “Noncitizens voting is a federal crime - period - and while other administrations may have looked the other way in the past, those days are over.”
According to criminal complaints filed against them, each defendant faces counts such as Voting by an Alien (maximum penalty one year imprisonment), False Statements Related to Naturalization (up to five years), or Procurement of Citizenship Unlawfully (up to ten years). Initial court appearances took place before Magistrate Judges Sharon A. King or Cari Fais depending on location.
Homeland Security Investigations Director Todd M. Lyons said: “HSI is actively investigating and rooting out election fraud wherever it can be found... HSI is committed to ensuring integrity in our election systems.” FBI Newark Special Agent Stefanie Roddy stated: “The subjects are alleged to have knowingly circumvented one of our most sacred rights as citizens...” HSI Newark Special Agent Michael S. McCarthy commented: “HSI remains committed ...to identify and address violations that threaten public trust...”
Special agents from several agencies contributed investigations under a task force focused on preserving election integrity within New Jersey's district courts system.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey staffs about 170 attorneys and support personnel across offices located in Newark, Trenton, and Camden according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes—including terrorism or public corruption—and represents civil matters for all parts of New Jersey according to its official website. It was established as early as 1789 according to its official website.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McCarren, Joseph McFarlane (Special Prosecutions Division), and Benjamin D. Bleiberg (Criminal Division) represent the government’s case against these defendants.
All allegations remain accusations unless proven otherwise; all four individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
