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TRENTON
– Attorney General Anne Milgram announced
that a paid political consultant was charged
today with the crime of impersonation in connection
with deceptive “robocalls” made
to more than 12,000 voters that attacked the
two Republican incumbents in the June 2009
primary race for state Assembly in the 40th
Legislative District.
According
to Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni,
Kevin Collins, 39, of Brooklyn, N.Y., formerly
of Wood-Ridge, N.J., was charged today by
complaint-summons with impersonation, a fourth-degree
crime, and violation of the Fair Campaign
Practices Act, a disorderly persons offense.
The charges stem from an investigation by
the Division of Criminal Justice and the State
Police.
It
is alleged that Collins, who was a paid political
consultant for Republican challengers Joe
Caruso and Anthony Rottino, was responsible
for automated phone calls or “robocalls”
attacking the Republican incumbents, Assemblymen
Scott Rumana and David Russo. The calls, which
were made using a robocall service operated
by an independent company, allegedly impersonated
Assemblyman Rumana’s chief of staff,
Ann O’Rourke. The calls featured the
voice of a woman who identified herself as
“Ann.”
It
is alleged that Collins obtained the cellular
telephone number of Ann O’Rourke and
provided it to the robocall service company
so that it would appear that the automated
phone message originated from her and her
cell phone. The robocall went to more that
12,000 residents of the 40th Legislative District
on the day of the primary, June 2, 2009. The
call made several inaccurate remarks about
the incumbent assemblymen and encouraged recipients
to vote against them. The call did not identify
what campaign or political organization was
responsible for it.
“This
is a case of identity theft and misrepresentation,”
said Attorney General Milgram. “The
defendant used the victim's cell phone number
and first name to make people believe she
was responsible for the robocalls.”
“We
are committed to thoroughly investigating
any charges of fraud or abuse involving the
election process in New Jersey,” said
Director Gramiccioni. “Fair and open
elections are the bedrock of our democratic
system of government, and we will root out
any conduct that undermines that system.”
The
investigation was conducted by Deputy Attorney
General Jeffrey J. Manis of the Division of
Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau and the
New Jersey State Police Official Corruption
Bureau, North Unit.
Fourth-degree
crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months
in state prison and a $10,000 fine, while
disorderly persons offenses carry a sentence
of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The
complaints are merely accusations and the
defendant is presumed innocent until proven
guilty. Collins will be ordered to appear
in court at a later date to answer the charges.
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