Overview
- Federal prosecutors charged Sunny Manhertz and say he made an initial appearance in Boston federal court on Tuesday and was released on conditions with a return date set for June 3.
- Prosecutors allege Manhertz, a lawful permanent resident since 1987, checked "Yes" to U.S. citizenship on a March 1, 2016 Massachusetts voter registration and has voted in elections dating back to 2008, including 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
- Charging documents cite a 2019 DHS I-90 renewal form in which Manhertz identified himself as a lawful permanent resident, an investigator interview on May 11 in which he allegedly admitted filling out the 2016 form and voting since 2008, and cell‑site records that place his phone near his polling place on Nov. 5, 2024.
- He faces two counts: unlawful voting by an alien and casting a ballot known to be false under state law, with potential prison terms, supervised release and fines if convicted.
- The prosecution joins recent DOJ election‑integrity efforts that use administrative forms, local voting records and digital data to investigate noncitizen voting, though confirmed cases remain rare and the defendant is presumed innocent.