A chilling scheme to manipulate a local election has come to light in New Jersey, revealing a deliberate attempt to inflate voter rolls through widespread forgery. Henrilynn Ibezim, a former mayoral candidate, admitted to submitting nearly one thousand fraudulent voter registration applications in the lead-up to the 2021 Democratic primary.
The audacious act involved delivering a garbage bag brimming with the falsified forms to a post office in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Ibezim intended these applications to be sent to the Union County registration commissioner, effectively attempting to artificially bolster the electorate before the Plainfield mayoral election.
Investigators discovered a disturbing pattern within the submitted applications. The vast majority appeared to be completed in the handwriting of just a handful of individuals – only three or four people responsible for filling out nearly a thousand forms. This immediately raised red flags, signaling a coordinated effort to deceive the system.
Adding another layer of complexity, Ibezim actively attempted to influence a witness involved in completing the applications. He allegedly coached the individual on how to respond to potential questioning from law enforcement, explicitly advising them to avoid any admissions of guilt.
Despite the elaborate deception, Ibezim’s campaign ultimately failed to gain traction. Running on the Unity Party ticket, he received a mere 103 votes, a stark contrast to the number of fraudulent applications he attempted to submit, and lost decisively to the current Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
Facing a multitude of charges, including election fraud and witness tampering, Ibezim recently pleaded guilty to a single count of third-degree forgery. This plea was reached as part of an agreement with the Attorney General’s office, resulting in the dismissal of the remaining charges.
Prosecutors are now recommending a sentence of probation for Ibezim, with sentencing scheduled for June. The case underscores the vulnerability of the electoral process and the importance of safeguarding its integrity.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating her office remains steadfast in its commitment to fair elections. She warned that failing to hold those who engage in such misconduct accountable risks eroding public trust in the foundations of democracy.
