Arizona Republican Pleads Guilty in Fake Elector Scheme
Lorraine Pellegrino, one of 11 Arizona Republicans who presented themselves as electors for former President Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to filing a “false instrument” by submitting a fraudulent Electoral College certificate. This charge is part of a broader set of allegations accusing her of conspiring to manipulate Arizona’s election outcomes.
In April, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes brought charges against the 11 fake electors, alongside several high-profile Trump allies. While Trump was not charged directly in the Arizona case, a state grand jury identified him as an unindicted co-conspirator. Trump also faces both federal and Georgia state charges concerning his alleged efforts to overturn President Joe Biden’s election victory.
Pellegrino’s guilty plea is the second significant event in the Arizona fake electors case this week. Earlier, Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Trump’s campaign, agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, resulting in her charges being dismissed.
Pellegrino is the first individual involved in the fake elector scheme to accept criminal responsibility, even though many others have been charged across various states. Her plea deal stipulates three years of probation without jail time.
“Lorraine Pellegrino’s decision to accept a plea to a lesser charge reflects her desire to move forward and put this matter behind her,” said her attorney Joshua Kolsrud. “She has taken full responsibility for her actions, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the law and contributing positively to the community.”
