The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office says its investigation into fraudulent petition signatures has expanded beyond local Lincoln charter initiatives to several statewide ballot efforts. LSO Chief Deputy Ben Houchin says the the investigation now includes the Fairness for Girls initiative, the Brett Lindstrom for Governor petition, an online sports gambling initiative and the “four to five” voting initiative.
Houchin also announced another arrest in connection with the investigation. 28-year-old Michael Smith was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri. “We just were having a more difficult time locating him.” Houchin says his alleged role is similar to the other five suspects already arrested.
Those five suspects were arrested in four other states and have waived extradition and are being returned to Lincoln. The sheriff’s office says is actively looking for an additional suspect. Houchin says organizers of the petitions have been cooperative and are providing investigators with information they want.
Houchin says the investigation is ongoing and could take some time to complete. As the Lancaster County Election Commission reviews petition signatures, suspected fraudulent signatures are referred to the sheriff’s office for investigation.