Multiple Local Officials Indicted For Alleged “Illegal Vote Harvesting Scheme,” State Attorney General Announces

Several local officials are now facing legal trouble following a recent announcement by the state attorney general. Authorities allege the group was involved in an organized effort connected to election practices.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the indictment and arrest of six individuals in connection with what officials are calling an illegal vote harvesting operation in Frio County. The charges come after a lengthy investigation into election-related misconduct that spanned multiple counties, including Frio, Atascosa, and Bexar.

According to Paxton’s office, the case centers on a scheme where public officials allegedly engaged in unlawful ballot collection practices, with some accused of tampering with evidence to cover their tracks. On May 1, 2025, a grand jury in Frio County returned indictments following a joint presentation by the Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit and Frio County District Attorney Audrey Louis.

Among those indicted are Frio County Judge Rochelle Camacho, Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza, Pearsall ISD Trustee Adriann Ramirez, former county elections administrator Carlos Segura, and a private individual identified as Rosa Rodriguez. Charges range from vote harvesting to evidence tampering. All suspects were taken into custody on May 2, except Camacho, who is expected to be processed later.

In a statement, Paxton emphasized his office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of elections, stating, “Elected officials who think they can cheat to stay in power will be held accountable.” He reaffirmed ongoing collaboration with local prosecutors as the investigation continues.

The City of Pearsall acknowledged the indictments but declined to comment further, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Neither Camacho nor Ramirez responded to media inquiries.

The alleged violations are tied to Texas Senate Bill 1, a law passed in 2021 that criminalizes compensated ballot collection, also known as vote harvesting, unless the collector is a legal caregiver. The law carries steep penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Although a federal court decision initially limited the state’s enforcement power under the law, Paxton’s appeal has allowed investigations like this one to proceed while litigation is ongoing.

According to reports, some of the accused are believed to have offered vote harvesting services in exchange for payment, while others allegedly attempted to conceal evidence linked to the case. The investigation remains active.

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