Syracuse Woman and German National Arrested for Voter Fraud

On October 21, 2025, Marva Cook, age 66, a German national of Syracuse, New York, appeared on a charge of voting by an alien. Cook is a lawful permanent resident. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that Cook is an alien, who knew that she was not a United States citizen and knowingly voted in an election held in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.

This charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine up to $100,000. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, "Voter fraud is rampant in New York State. New York State must fix the problem and implement voter identification in order to ensure the integrity of our elections and to keep sacred the sanctity of our most precious and important right, the right to vote. I would like to thank HSI for their swift and diligent investigatory work. We will continue to aggressively prosecute illegal voters."

"Under federal law, noncitizens are strictly prohibited from voting in federal elections," said Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Patrone. "HSI Syracuse led the investigation that resulted in the arrest of Marva Cook, a German national and lawful permanent resident, for allegedly casting an unlawful ballot. HSI remains committed to investigating violations of federal law and working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of our electoral process."

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson is prosecuting the case.