A South Whitehall Township man lied about his citizenship so he could vote, according to a federal indictment.
Kaushalkumar Patel, 47, said he was a U.S. citizen on a voter registration application in October 2020 even though he’s an Indian citizen who applied for asylum in the U.S., court records say.
Attorney Philip Steinberg of Philadelphia said he’s waiting for more information from the government laying out their case against Patel.
“Mr. Patel has lived a law abiding life in the United States for over 20 years,” Steinberg said. “He works, pays his taxes and is an active participant in his community. He is also the proud father of two young daughters.”
The indictment says Patel voted Nov. 3, 2020, in South Whitehall Township.
He’s charged with making a false statement of citizenship in order to vote, fraudulent voter registration, fraudulent voting and voting by an alien.
He was indicted Oct. 15. The indictment was unsealed Oct. 29. Steinberg said Patel is in prison in Pike County on a recently-lodged immigration detainer.
His voter fraud trial is scheduled for Dec. 29.
Bethlehem resident Matthew Laiss was accused in September of voting twice in 2020. He’s also charged with voter fraud.
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