VERMILLION CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police say that an Illinois man is facing charges for committing voter fraud in Indiana.
Joseph B. Ellis is charged with multiple offenses including Unauthorized Absentee Ballot.
Ellis is accused of living in Edgar County, Illinois, but filling out an absentee ballot for Vermillion County which is in Indiana. According to reporting, he had done this for years.
You can see detailed reporting from the Terre Haute Tribune-Star here
Indiana State Police released the following:
In September of 2021, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Jason Schofstall of the Putnamville State Police Post, began an investigation into a purported Illinois resident claiming a Vermillion County, Indiana residence for voter fraud.
During his investigation it was discovered that Joseph B. Ellis, age 52, of Edgar County, Illinois, was allegedly voting outside his precinct residence and filing unauthorized absentee ballots in Vermillion County, Indiana.
After reviewing the investigation, special prosecutor David O. Thomas issued a summons for Joseph B. Ellis, to appear in Vermillion County Circuit Court on May 17, 2022, at 1:15 p.m.
Summons and Charges: Joseph B. Ellis, age 51
Ineligible Voter, Felony 6
Voting Outside Precinct Residence, Felony 6 (2 counts)
Unauthorized Absentee Ballot, Felony 6
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
