Press Release: Federal Judge Sentences Former Millbourne Officials for Election Fraud
Millbourne Borough, PA – A federal judge sentenced two former local officials to significant prison terms for their involvement in a scheme to steal the 2021 mayoral election, marking a critical moment in the fight against electoral corruption. Judge Harvey Bartle III emphasized the gravity of the offenses committed by Md Nurul Hasan, former council vice president and mayoral candidate, asserting that few crimes are as serious as undermining the democratic process. Hasan received a three-year prison sentence and one year of supervised release for his guilty plea on election-related fraud charges.
His co-defendant, Md Rafikul Islam, a former councilmember, was handed a sentence of one year and a day, accompanied by a year of supervised release and a $1,700 fine. The judge expressed disapproval of the lighter sentence suggested by prosecutors for Islam. Meanwhile, the third individual involved, Councilmember Md Munsur Ali, awaits sentencing next week, even as calls mount for his resignation.
The indictment revealed a conspiracy among the trio to fraudulently register nearly three dozen non-residents to vote in Millbourne, allowing Hasan to cast mail ballots in his favor despite losing the Democratic primary. Ultimately, incumbent Mahabubul Tayub won the general election.
At the hearing, family and friends testified to Hasan’s character, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dubnoff reminded the court that Hasan’s position of trust enabled his criminal actions. Delaware County’s elections director commented on the broader implications, warning that such schemes damage public faith in elections. Both Hasan and Islam must begin serving their sentences by August 15.
Carter Walker, a reporter for Votebeat, contributed to this article.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
