Former City Council member Jazmarie Melendez is on a path for dismissal of state election fraud charges accused of not attesting on absentee ballot applications the reason electors wanted to vote by mail, a law no longer in existence as a result of legislative action on Wednesday,
Melendez, along with several other political operatives, was charged more than a year ago with election fraud stemming from the 2023 mayoral cycle. Supporters for both Mayor Joe Ganim and his chief rival John Gomes were arrested.
On Wednesday, the state legislative ratified a constitutional amendment to remove provisions specifying absentee ballot voting only under these circumstances: due to sickness, disability, absence, military service, religious conflicts or being an elections worker.
A state judge on Thursday placed Melendez on a three-month probationary period that will lead to dismissal of charges if she avoids arrest during that window.
During the state round-up in 2025, City Council members Maria Pereira, Alfredo Castillo and former Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Wanda Geter-Pataky were charged with the most serious allegations that included being in possession of absentee ballots.
All three entered not guilty pleas and will not get off nearly as easily as Melendez if they decide to cop pleas.
From Liz Hardaway, CT Post:
Melendez’s attorney, Alexander Taubes, said after the 2 p.m. hearing that the application for accelerated rehabilitation “is not an admission of guilt.”
“Ms. Melendez is innocent of these accusations and charges, and the state simply did not have the proof to convict her,” he continued. “So when we filed a speedy trial motion, we were given the option to resolve this matter as quickly as possible so that she could go on with her life and we’re happy that the court did the right thing.”
…Taubes argued that voters did not say Melendez misrepresented the requirements to them, and all six voters were eligible to vote via absentee ballot. He noted that lawmakers also passed a bill permitting voters to cast ballots by mail without needing a specific reason.
Full story here
