Florida man arrested for hacking into and changing Ron DeSantis’ voter registration records
Earlier this week when Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis was taking advantage of the Sunshine State’s early voting in Tallahassee, a poll worker at the site had to inform the Gov that he hadn’t updated his address after he moved from the governor’s mansion to 2185 Pretty Lane, a small apartment complex in West Palm Beach, 420 miles away. The move was news to DeSantis, as he never moved into that one bedroom – one bath apartment, and he certainly never gave up his perch in the governor’s mansion.
Turns out, DeSantis’ voter registration records had been hacked and someone changed his address for him. DeSantis, an avid Trump supporter and ally, was eventually able to cast his ballot in this presidential election, and afterwards went on to report his problem to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) who quickly surmised that DeSantis’ address had been changed by someone operating out of a residence in Naples, Florida, according to AP News.
FDLE agents arrested Anthony Steven Guevara, 20, of Naples, on charges of unauthorized access of a computer, and, altering a voter registration without consent. The charges against him are both third-degree felonies
FDLE agents began investigating Monday after Governor DeSantis learned his address in the Florida voting registration database was changed to an address in West Palm Beach. Agents say the registration address was changed via computer over a web browser. Agents were able to identify Guevara as the suspect and arrested him at his home following a search warrant Tuesday night. Collier County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this case.
Agents believe Guevara also accessed the voter registrations of United States Senator Rick Scott and sports celebrities Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but made no changes.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I am proud of the quick and detailed work of our agents on this case and appreciate the hard work of the offices of State Attorneys Amira Fox and Jack Campbell. FDLE is committed to ensuring the voting rights of Florida citizens are protected, and we will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners in ensuring the security of our elections.”
Guevara was booked into the Collier County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Following his bail hearing, he was released on Wednesday.
The case against him will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit. If convicted, he could be looking at five years behind bars.
(Source: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
