Former Mayoral Candidate Indicted for Submitting Nearly 1,000 Fraudulent Voter Registrations

Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim faces an eight-count indictment for election fraud and related charges stemming from the 2021 Plainfield mayoral primary.

A state grand jury has returned an eight-count indictment against Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim, a former mayoral candidate in Plainfield, New Jersey, following allegations that he attempted to submit nearly 1,000 fraudulent voter registration applications during the 2021 primary election. The announcement was made today by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).

Ibezim, 70, is accused of bringing a garbage bag filled with falsified voter registration applications to an Elizabeth post office, intending to send them to the Union County Commissioner of Registration. According to the indictment, the applications contained the personal identifying information of individuals without their authorization and were largely completed by only a few individuals, failing to state as required that they were filled out by someone other than the voter.

The indictment also alleges that Ibezim attempted to obstruct the ensuing investigation by providing false information to law enforcement and instructing a witness to mislead investigators.

“As alleged, Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim attempted to tamper with the election process and then with the investigation into his tampering,” said Attorney General Platkin. “As the charges in this case demonstrate, if you attempt to interfere with the integrity of an election in New Jersey, you will be investigated and prosecuted.”

“We are committed to ensuring the integrity of the election process,” said Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA. “Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim allegedly attempted to interfere with fair elections and a criminal investigation, and now faces serious charges for his conduct.”

The charges against Ibezim include:

• Election fraud – 2nd degree
• Trafficking in personal identifying information – 2nd degree
• Criminal attempt to commit false registration – 3rd degree
• Tampering with public records – 3rd degree
• Falsifying records – 4th degree
• Forgery – 3rd degree
• Hindering apprehension – 3rd degree
• Tampering with witnesses – 3rd degree

If convicted, Ibezim faces significant penalties, including up to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000 for the most serious charges. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Sherrod Smith under the supervision of the OPIA Corruption Bureau.

It's important to note that the charges are accusations, and Ibezim is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.