The alleged fraud was originally reported in the New York Times.
Hevesi did not return the Eagle’s calls seeking further comment.
The alleged fraud is far from the first time Rinaldi has sparked campaign controversy or drawn attention for his political antics.
He gained notoriety in recent years for harassing opponents while on the campaign trail, and for creating fake news articles and AI campaign videos.
Hevesi said Rinaldi’s history of political provocation makes it all the more likely he was behind the fraud.
“Mr. Rinaldi has built his political reputation on lies, deception, and unquestionably unethical behavior,” said Hevesi. “Knowing he could never win based on any merit, throughout his past campaigns, he has repeatedly lied to the voters, gotten caught, and been defeated at the ballot box. But now he has apparently crossed the line from George Santos-style fabulism into criminal fraud and forgery, and it is time for him to be held accountable.”
Rinaldi first gained notoriety in Queens’ political community several years ago after he yelled at and was accused of harassing his political opponents.
On Election Day in 2024, Rinaldi was arrested for creating a disturbance at a polling site.
He also became known for his prolific sperm donation habits, which garnered him the nickname “sperminator” in the New York Post.
Last year, Rinaldi posted a string of fabricated headlines boasting non-existent endorsements from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Councilmember Bob Holden and even Hevesi. He also falsified endorsements from local Jewish groups.
He initially claimed he was hacked, and denied making the posts.
Rinaldi’s social media accounts have continued to post AI-created videos of local Queens residents talking about their support for him. Ahead of his race against Hevesi, Rinaldi posted campaign videos depicting an AI version of himself.
His website includes AI-generated videos and images of him campaigning and speaking about campaign issues.
“I had absolutely no involvement in any change to Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi’s voter registration, and neither did anyone acting on my behalf,” Rinaldi said in a text message denying the allegations. “What this situation actually highlights is a serious vulnerability in our election system. If a voter registration can be changed by mail, without identification, and even with apparent errors, that should concern every New Yorker.”
“Instead of speculation, the focus should be on ensuring the integrity and security of the system so this cannot happen to anyone else,” he added.
The Queens district attorney’s office declined to comment.