After voting in four U.S. elections in Alabama, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala was sentenced to five years in prison by a federal judge today following her arrest in September 2024. Angelica Maria Francisco, 42, of Russellville, created a fraudulent identity of an American citizen in 2011 to obtain multiple passports and vote in elections.
In September, Francisco pleaded guilty to two counts of false claims of citizenship in connection with voting, one count of false statements in application for a United States passport, five counts of use of a United States passport obtained by false statements, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
RELATED: Illegal immigrant in Alabama charged with voting in multiple elections using fake identity
According to the plea agreement, in 2011, Francisco assumed the identity of a United States citizen. Francisco used the false identity to obtain a United States passport in 2011. She subsequently used the United States passport to travel to and from her native country of Guatemala in 2012, 2015, and 2018. Using the same false identity, Francisco also registered to vote in Alabama in 2016 and voted in the 2016 and 2020 primary and general elections. And in 2021, Francisco used the same false identity to apply for and receive a renewed passport, which she used to travel to and from Guatemala in 2022.
“This sentence sends a clear message that any attempts by non-U.S. citizens to vote in the Northern District of Alabama are unacceptable and will result in serious consequences,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Prim Escalona said.
“Maintaining the sanctity of the U.S. election system is one of the most important responsibilities of federal law enforcement. My office will remain vigilant in carrying out this mission and, to that end, will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who seek to undermine our elections.”
According to the DOJ, the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the East Metro Area Crime Center, and the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich prosecuted the case.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen was involved on the front line throughout 2024 and prior with protecting election security and ensuring zero noncitizens were able to vote. On Thursday, he said the conviction should send a message to those seeking to do the same.
“Let this be a warning to everyone that we are serious about the fact that only eligible U.S. citizens can vote in Alabama elections,” Allen said. “If you steal someone’s identity and illegally vote, you will be prosecuted, convicted and will serve time in prison.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
