A California man was arrested in connection with an alleged scheme to use stolen voter identities to forge signatures on ballot petitions in Los Angeles. Federal authorities say homeless people in the Skid Row neighborhood were paid to sign petitions under the names of registered voters. Three defendants face federal charges tied to identity fraud and efforts to qualify local ballot initiatives. If convicted, each could face up to five years in prison per count.
Authorities allege the conduct took place over at least six months in 2026 and involved a coordinated team of signature collectors. The investigation underscores federal concerns about the integrity of election-related petition processes and the use of vulnerable people in alleged fraud schemes.
| 1) | Arrest and federal charges |
| 2) | Alleged use of stolen voter identities |
| 3) | How the petition operation allegedly worked |
| 4) | Payments, declarations and alleged impact |
| 5) | Investigation and potential penalties |
Arrest and federal charges
James Brass, 47, was arrested early Thursday in Victorville, California, about 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles, according to federal authorities. He is also known by the alias “Lord.” Brass and two alleged co-defendants, Courtney Price, 49, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jateisha Herron, 33, of Boron, California, are charged with conspiracy to commit identity fraud in furtherance of a state felony.
Brass and Price also face separate charges of identity fraud in furtherance of a state felony. Brass was expected to appear in court Thursday. The allegations concern activity connected to efforts to gather signatures for ballot initiatives in Los Angeles.
Alleged use of stolen voter identities
Prosecutors allege that from February through August 2026, the defendants obtained registered voters’ identifying information from a database. That information was allegedly provided to homeless people living in Skid Row, a downtown Los Angeles neighborhood with one of the largest concentrations of homeless people in the United States.
The homeless participants allegedly used the information to sign petitions in the names of registered voters rather than using their own identities. Authorities say the purpose was to help ballot initiatives meet qualification requirements for local elections.
How the petition operation allegedly worked
James Brass allegedly organized the operation by managing a team of signature collectors and collecting signatures himself. Prosecutors say Courtney Price and Jateisha Herron worked for Brass as part of the alleged effort.
After signatures were collected, Brass and Herron allegedly signed declarations attached to the petitions. Those declarations stated that they had personally witnessed the named registered voters sign and that the signatures were, to the best of their knowledge, genuine. The petitions were then allegedly submitted to petition coordinators.
Payments, declarations and alleged impact
Federal authorities claim that Brass received $41,600 from one petition management company. The money allegedly supported the signature-collection operation, including payments to people recruited in Skid Row.
The alleged conduct could affect public confidence in the petition process because ballot initiatives depend on accurate signatures and truthful verification. Authorities have not said that the alleged scheme changed an election outcome, but they say the use of stolen identities and false declarations undermined safeguards intended to confirm voter participation.
“Securing American elections from criminal interference is of the utmost importance,” FBI Director Kash Patel said, adding that election security would remain a priority.
Investigation and potential penalties
The federal investigation is focused on whether the defendants knowingly used registered voters’ identities and submitted false verification statements to support ballot initiatives. Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said the alleged conduct undermines voters’ confidence in election systems and that prosecutors would investigate and charge those involved in corrupting elections.
Each of the three defendants faces up to five years in prison per count if convicted. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three defendants face federal charges linked to alleged identity fraud. |
| 2 | Authorities say Skid Row residents were paid to sign petitions using stolen voter identities. |
| 3 | Prosecutors allege false witness declarations were submitted with the petitions. |
| 4 | The defendants could face up to five years in prison per count if convicted. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that a coordinated group exploited homeless residents in Los Angeles to fabricate signatures for ballot initiatives. Federal prosecutors say the operation relied on stolen voter information, false witnessing declarations and payments arranged through a petition management structure. The defendants will have the opportunity to contest the charges in court, where the evidence and the validity of the allegations will be assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
James Brass, 47, was arrested in Victorville, California. He is charged alongside Courtney Price and Jateisha Herron.
What are the defendants accused of doing?
They are accused of using registered voters’ stolen identities to obtain signatures on ballot petitions, with homeless people in Skid Row allegedly paid to sign the petitions.
What penalties could they face?
Each defendant faces up to five years in prison per count if convicted of the federal charges.
