Yesterday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the indictments and arrests of nine people, including some public officials, in connection with an alleged illegal vote harvesting operation in Frio County. Paxton emphasized the importance of fair elections, stating, "The integrity of our elections is the bedrock of our democratic process," and highlighted his office’s commitment to holding those who break the rules accountable, according to a press release from the Attorney General's Office.
Following a slew of search warrants spanning Frio, Atascosa, and Bexar Counties in August 2024, the intricate web of the investigation led by Paxton's Criminal Investigation Division culminated in a Frio Grand Jury releasing a series of indictments on May 1, 2025. Individuals charged include high-profile figures like Manuel Medina, Chief of Staff to Texas State Rep. Elizabeth Campos, and Cecilia Castellano, who once vied for the State Rep. seat in District 80.
Additional charges were presented on June 30, 2025, by the Frio County District Attorney, Audrey Louis, working in tandem with the Election Integrity Unit of the Attorney General’s Office. The grand jury then returned true bills for those implicated. Among the accused are Medina and Castellano, each facing two counts of vote harvesting. Frio County Commissioner Pct. 3, Raul Carrizales, stands accused of a single count, alongside other former and current local officials facing various similar charges.
The Attorney General's Office shared a release, later featured on the Texas OAG website, outlining Paxton's commitment to protecting "free and fair elections" in the state. Several suspects have already been processed by law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit is working with the Frio County District Attorney, suggesting that this case of alleged election fraud is still ongoing.
