PITTSBURGH — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Friday charging Jeffrey Pope, 65, of Apollo, with unlawfully voting twice in the 2024 general election, including for the office of President of the United States, authorities announced.
The indictment, filed in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, names Pope as the only defendant and alleges he submitted mail-in ballots in two different states for the November 2024 election. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting the case, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Allegations and timeline
According to the indictment, Pope had been registered to vote in Pennsylvania since 1999. The charging document says that after purchasing property in Alaska in 2023, he completed and submitted a mail-in ballot in Alaska on or about Oct. 18, 2024. Several days later, on or about Oct. 22, 2024, he allegedly submitted a mail-in ballot for the same federal office in Pennsylvania.
| Date | Alleged action | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| On or about Oct. 18, 2024 | Submitted mail-in ballot | Alaska |
| On or about Oct. 22, 2024 | Submitted mail-in ballot and signed declaration | Pennsylvania |
Prosecutors also allege Pope knowingly and willfully signed a false declaration attached to his Pennsylvania ballot, stating he was eligible to vote by that ballot and had not already voted in the election.
"An indictment is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Potential penalties and next steps
If convicted on the counts charged, Pope faces a maximum combined sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. The actual punishment would be determined under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.
The indictment does not resolve guilt. Federal prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, and the defendant is entitled to due process throughout court proceedings. The case will proceed through the federal court system in Pittsburgh; no trial date or plea has been announced.
Election law context and local impact
Federal election statutes prohibit voting more than once in the same election, and the government treats alleged double-voting as a serious offense because it can undermine public confidence in election integrity. This indictment highlights the investigative cooperation between federal prosecutors and the FBI in matters involving cross-jurisdictional voting questions.
For residents of Armstrong County and the surrounding region, the case underscores practical considerations for voters who change residency or own property in more than one state. Election officials advise voters to maintain accurate registrations and to follow state rules governing absentee and mail-in ballots to avoid inadvertent violations.
Local election offices typically handle voter registration updates, absentee ballot requests and information about when and where a person may lawfully cast a ballot. Voters who are unsure about their status after moving or acquiring property in another state should contact their county election bureau or the state election office for guidance.
Who’s handling the prosecution
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Troy Rivetti, announced the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is listed as the prosecutor on the case. The FBI conducted the inquiry that led to the grand jury presentation.
- Defendant: Jeffrey Pope, 65, of Apollo
- Charges: Two-count federal indictment alleging double-voting in the 2024 general election
- Possible penalty: Up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines
Officials did not provide additional details about how the ballots were identified or whether either ballot was counted in the canvass. Nor did prosecutors disclose whether either state’s election agency took administrative actions regarding the ballots. Those details may emerge as the case moves forward or during trial proceedings.
The indictment was unsealed Friday in Pittsburgh. Court records and statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office form the basis of this report. An indictment is a formal accusation and not a finding of guilt; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.
Gregory Halloran covers state public safety and legal affairs for WE NEWS.
