PHILADELPHIA/HARRISBURG - Nine Pennsylvania residents have been charged separately with illegally voting, despite knowing that they were not U.S. citizens, announced David Metcalf, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Brian Miller, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Under both federal and state law, only United States citizens may vote in Pennsylvania. The cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI").

"Upholding the integrity of our elections, and the right of American citizens to determine the outcome, is non-negotiable," said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. "Our democracy depends on it."

"These cases are important because the crime of illegal voting undermines the integrity of our elections and harms citizens by stealing the power of our votes," said U.S. Attorney Miller. "Illegal voting is not a victimless crime but a serious affront to the principles of our democratic republic."

"Illegally casting a ballot in a federal election corrupts the electoral process and diminishes the voice of every lawful voter," said HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. "These alleged violations undermine public confidence in our democratic institutions and harm the citizens whose votes are entitled to determine our nation's future. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate election-related crimes and hold accountable those who violate federal law.

In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania:

Artur Kopacz, 50, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by information with two counts of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Poland and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2022 and 2024 general elections.

If convicted, Kopacz faces a maximum possible sentence of a fine, two years in prison, or both.

Osmal Loy, 70, of Fountain Hill, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Cuba and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

Yehuda Peer, 30, of Merion Station, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Israel and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

Alfredo Santiesteban, 73, also of Philadelphia, was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Cuba, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

If convicted, Loy, Peer, and Santiesteban each face a maximum possible sentence of a fine, one year in prison, or both.

In the Middle District of Pennsylvania:

Joyce Donovan, 38, of Selinsgrove, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Kenya and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

Inna Henry, 52, of Harrisburg, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien.The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Russia and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2022 and 2024 general elections.

Nourten Kuruju, 64, of Luzerne, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Greece and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2022 general election.

Nina Nyawara, 21, of Selinsgrove, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien.The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of Kenya and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

Joyce Pitts, 80, of Effort, Pa., was charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. The information alleges that the defendant, a citizen of the Netherlands and lawful permanent U.S. resident, illegally voted in the 2024 general election.

If convicted, these defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of a fine, one year in prison, or both.

The charges and allegations contained in the informations are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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