The Department of Justice filed criminal complaints against four green card holders in New Jersey for allegedly voting in federal elections and lying on naturalization forms, triggering prosecutions that federal officials say protect the integrity of U.S. elections.

Federal prosecutors say four resident aliens in New Jersey were charged after registering and casting ballots in federal elections while still non-citizens, and then making false statements on their naturalization applications. The cases allege both illegal voting and perjury-related offenses tied to the N-400 naturalization process.

The defendants are identified as David Neewilly, 73, of Atlantic County; Jacenth Beadle Exum, 70, of Bergen County; Idan Choresh, 43, of Monmouth County; and Abhinandan Vig, 33, of Monmouth County. Prosecutors say each signed voter registration forms falsely certifying United States citizenship, and federal law requires U.S. citizenship to register and vote in federal elections.

“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.” – U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

According to the complaints, each defendant cast at least one ballot in a federal election while not a citizen. Neewilly is accused of voting in the 2020 and 2024 general elections, Beadle Exum and Vig reportedly voted in the 2020 general election, and Choresh allegedly voted in the 2022 general election; the 2020 and 2024 contests included the offices of President and Vice President, and 2022 included races for the House of Representatives.

“This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged, these green card holders lied in order to register to vote and then lied again to immigration authorities by falsely claiming never to have voted in a federal election. 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.”

Prosecutors also allege that each defendant later submitted an N-400 application for naturalization that requires swearing under penalty of perjury to the truthfulness of the information provided. The complaints say each defendant falsely asserted on the N-400 that they had never registered or voted in a federal election, which would be material to eligibility for citizenship.

“Securing our elections from criminal actors here at home and around the world is one of the top priorities for this FBI,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Noncitizens voting is a federal crime – period – and while other administrations may have looked the other way in the past, those days are over. We continue to work around the clock with our interagency partners to ensure those who engage in such conduct will not get away with it.”

Neewilly faces charges of Voting by an Alien in a Federal Election, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 611, and False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a). He made an initial appearance on April 22, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court, according to court records.

“HSI is actively investigating and rooting out election fraud wherever it can be found,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “This case shows that there is still work to do. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, HSI is committed to ensuring integrity in our election systems and ensuring that American citizens — and only American citizens — are electing American leaders.”

Choresh was charged with Voting by an Alien in a Federal Election, 18 U.S.C. § 611; Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization Unlawfully, 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a); and False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, 18 U.S.C. § 1015(a). He had an initial appearance on May 1, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court.

“The subjects are alleged to have knowingly circumvented one of our most sacred rights as citizens, the right to vote. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue justice for those in violation of federal law, and keep the integrity of our elections intact,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

Vig was charged with Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization Unlawfully, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a), and appeared on May 1, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark. HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy also issued a statement emphasizing HSI’s role in identifying violations that threaten public trust in federal institutions.

“This case highlights HSI’s dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s democratic and immigration processes,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “HSI remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement partners to identify and address violations that threaten public trust in federal institutions.”

Beadle Exum was charged with False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(a); and False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a). She had her initial appearance on May 1, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in Newark federal court.

If convicted, the defendants face maximum penalties under the statutes alleged: Voting by an Alien in a Federal Election, 18 U.S.C. § 611, has a maximum of 1 year imprisonment; False Statements in Relation to Naturalization, 18 U.S.C. § 1015(a), carries a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment; and False Statements in Relation to Naturalization / Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization Unlawfully, 18 U.S.C. § 1425(a), has a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigations. The cases were brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition focused on preserving the integrity of elections in the District of New Jersey.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McCarren and Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the Criminal Division. The charges and allegations in the complaints are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.