Key Takeaways:
– Peggy Judd, a Cochise County Supervisor, took a plea deal to dodge a felony case. This came after delaying the 2022 election certification over dubious claims of voter fraud.
– Judd pleaded guilty to the neglect of election officer duties, leading to a 90-day unsupervised probation and $500 fine.
– As the felony charges have been skirted, Judd can keep her voting rights and continue her role on the Cochise County Board of Supervisors.
– Judd and other supervisor, Tom Crosby, faced felony charges due to conspiracy and interference with an election officer.
– The pair postponed the election certification citing unproven claims about incorrectly certified ballot tabulators.
Misdeeds Lead to Plea Deal
On breaking news, Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd has secured a plea deal over a looming felony charge. This case arose after Judd, together with another supervisor, stalled the certification of the 2022 election citing unfounded claims of voter fraud.
According to the official revelations, Judd pleaded guilty to neglecting her duties as an election officer. This was a tier 3 misdemeanor. Along with her plea, Judd is to serve an unsupervised probationary period of three months and pay a penalty of $500.
Retaining Authority
Skirting her felony charges means more than walking free for Judd. It also lets her retain the right to vote and continue her tenure as a County Supervisor. This could have a significant impact on revelations and decisions tied to board activities going forward.
Accountability in Question
Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed his stance following the announcement of Judd’s plea deal. His stand is clear – any acts of meddling with Arizona elections will meet zero tolerance. Vowing to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the state’s elections, he assured justice will always prevail.
The Shadowing Conspiracy
Tom Crosby, another supervisor alongside Judd, found himself on the same felony accusation boat. Allegedly, the pair interfered with an election officer and conspired together. Both officials faced substantial pressure from their GOP counterparts over unsubstantiated allegations of fraud during the 2022 election.
Their decision to delay election certification became a subject of dispute. The delay, they said, was due to concerns over the certification of the ballot tabulators in the county. Their opposition came from Democrat Ann English, the only supervisor to vote against the delay.
Protest or Justification?
Last November, Judd voiced her stance to well-known news outlets, the New York Times and The Daily Beast. She stated the delay in certifying results, beyond the statutory deadline, was her way of protesting Election Day issues in Maricopa County.
As the drama unfolded and reached its climax, a judge intervened, compelling the supervisors to perform their legal duty. As a result, the election result was ultimately certified, but Cochise seemed to bear the brunt. Chanden delayed the certification deadline and risked significant Republican votes.
Legal Consequences
As grave as the impediment sounds, the consequences did not stop there. Judd and Crosby not only faced criminal charges but last year, a judge commanded them to cover $36,000 in legal expenses. The cost was for the secretary of state and the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, who took legal action against the supervisors over their refusal to certify the election.
Continued Assertion of Conspiracy
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors didn’t stop at delays and legal confrontations. They attempted a full hand count of ballots, yet again reiterating the unproven assertions of voter fraud and manipulation of voting machines. However, the effort was suppressed by a Cochise County Superior Court, declaring it unlawful. The ruling was further supported by an Arizona appeals court.
In the midst of the whirlwind of events, Judd couldn’t be reached for a comment. It’s on viewers to anticipate her next move and any further impact on the integrity of Arizona’s elections.