Campaign worker convicted of fraud in 2007 N.J. race

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s attorney general says a campaign worker has been convicted of election fraud and other charges for submitting fraudulent absentee ballots in a 2007 state senate race.

John Fernandez was found guilty in superior court in Mercer County Friday of conspiracy, election fraud, absentee ballot fraud, tampering with public records or information and forgery.

Prosecutors say Fernandez, an employee of the Essex County Department of Economic Development, submitted ballots on behalf of voters in the Nov. 6, 2007 general election without their knowledge.

The 61-year-old Belleville resident helped collect ballots on behalf of Teresa Ruiz, who won the election and still serves in the senate.

Authorities have said Ruiz and her staff cooperated fully in the investigation.

Several other workers on the campaign were also charged.