Thread: CA-Political activist pleads not guilty to voter fraud charg

Political activist pleads not guilty to voter fraud charges

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered Nativo Lopez to return to court July 28.

By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

LOS ANGELES – Nativo Lopez, a Latino rights activist from Orange County pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles Superior court to felony charges of voter fraud.

Lopez, who is also a former Santa Ana school board chairman, surrendered to authorities in June after charges were filed for alleged fraudulent voter registration, fraudulent document filing, perjury and fraudulent voting. Lopez has stated he is innocent and said the charges were baseless.

Lopez allegedly registered to vote at a Los Angeles address while still living in Orange County. He allegedly cast an illegal ballot from Los Angeles in the 2008 presidential primary.

Superior Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered Lopez to return to court on July 28, when a hearing will be held to determine if there is enough evidence to stand trial.

According to the California Secretary of State's Election Fraud Investigation Unit, Lopez leased office space in Boyle Heights, where he allegedly registered to vote.

“There’s obviously political piling on,â€

Lopez has become a controversial figure in Orange County politics over the years. He is national president of Mexican American Political Association and national director for Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana, which advocate for immigrant rights.

Has Lopez filed a FARA form?