Woman arrested for alleged illegal ballot harvesting

ROMA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was arrested in Starr County for allegedly operating an illegal ballot scheme during the 2022 general election, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

In a news release from the Texas Attorney General's Office, Modesta Vela's arrest was part of the Texas Attorney General's years-long investigation focused on ballot harvesting operations that targeted a multitude of Texas voters over the age of 65.

The evidence found during the investigation granted the grand jury to issue a true bill indictment against Vela for intentionally and knowingly influencing Texans' votes in the presence of the ballot during the voting process.

This charge is a state jail felony.

"Criminals trying to steal our elections and rig the democratic process will be found, arrested, and prosecuted," said Paxton. "Modesta Vela was trying to take advantage of voters and broke the law by illegally ballot harvesting and targeting a Texan seeking to engage in our elections. Now, it’s time for Vela to answer for her actions in court.” 

Following the indictment, Vela was arrested on Sept. 4 in Starr County.