United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the sentencing of MD Nurul Hasan and MD Rafikul Islam for election fraud offenses. Both men are from Millbourne, Pennsylvania, and were sentenced in separate hearings by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III.
Earlier this year, the defendants, along with co-conspirator MD Munsur Ali, faced a 33-count indictment for their involvement in a scheme to influence Millbourne Borough’s 2021 mayoral election. Hasan pleaded guilty to all charges against him, resulting in a 36-month prison sentence, one year of supervised release, and a $3,300 special assessment. Islam also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 12 months and one day in prison, one year of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $700 special assessment.
Ali has yet to be sentenced but has admitted guilt to his charges as well. The court filings reveal that Hasan ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate for mayor after losing the primary election. To sway the general election results in his favor, Hasan conspired with Ali and Islam in fraudulent activities including altering voter registrations and submitting falsified ballots.
The defendants utilized personal information from non-Millbourne residents to manipulate voter registrations through Pennsylvania’s online system. They then intercepted ballots sent to these altered addresses and cast votes fraudulently for Hasan.
“These defendants sabotaged the democratic will of their fellow citizens,” stated U.S. Attorney Metcalf. He emphasized the importance of public trust in elections and vowed continued prosecution of such fraudulent acts.
Wayne A. Jacobs from FBI Philadelphia underscored that undermining the electoral process not only violates laws but erodes public trust. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement agencies in prosecuting these crimes.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside Delaware County authorities with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff.
