Randy Yohe Published

Former Randolph County Resident Pleads Guilty To Voter Fraud

A picture of voting booth tables with a display of the American flag.Adobe Stock
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Jon Cooper entered a guilty plea to voting twice in the 2020 general election, once in West Virginia and once in New Mexico. The case was handled by Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker. The investigation was conducted by Investigator Elise Guice of the Attorney General’s Office at the direction of the Secretary of State’s Investigation Division Director Kimberly Mason.

Randolph County Circuit Court Judge David Wilmoth denied Cooper’s request for deferred adjudication and ordered him to pay a $500 fine.

In 2022, the misdemeanor punishment for illegal voting was changed to a felony crime, but the penalty was still a misdemeanor at the time of Cooper’s illegal voting activity. No word on how Cooper actually voted.

Secretary of State Mac Warner said Cooper’s guilty plea is the second this year for illegal voting in the 2020 election. Warner believes the conviction serves as a deterrent to those who would consider committing similar criminal acts in the upcoming 2024 election.

To report a possible election violation or voter fraud, call toll-free at (877) FRAUD-WV or text “WV” to 45995 to complete a mobile complaint form.