A Manhattan man’s “hobby” of collecting official absentee ballots in the names of celebrities, politicians and other prominent figures was uncovered by investigators — and though the ballots were never cast, he now faces criminal charges, according to court documents.
According to a criminal complaint in New York Federal District Court, Louis Koch, 39, has been accused of fraudulently obtaining nearly 100 ballots under the names of people, mainly prominent figures, who have not been released. He was later arrested and released.
Koch requested an absentee ballot for himself for the 2020 primary and general elections — at some point figuring out that he could request more using names, birth dates and other easy-to-find personal information of “victims”Then, without their knowledge or permission, send them to his preferred mailing address.
Koch requested 95 ballots in May and June 6, respectively. Koch asked for 95 ballots between May 6 and June 6. “hobby,”His actions were understood “foolish,”According to the criminal case filed by.
Authorities seized over 100 ballots from New York, California and Washington, D.C. at a June raid on Koch’s Manhattan apartment. They were also sent to a house located in Tenafly (NJ), according to authorities.
Koch was arrested July 8 on charges of providing false voting information and identity theft. Koch was released on $250,000 bond with the condition that he would not be able to order absentee ballots either for himself or for anyone else in any election. Koch’s legal representation could not be immediately determined.
Under the New York City Board of Elections’ current system, registered voters can request an absentee ballot by emailing the board and providing personal information including name, date of birth and zip code.
The New York TimesThe first to report the situation.
Pamela Chelin contributed this report.