Alachua Felon Voting Investigation Expands; State and Federal Agencies Involved

ALACHUA ‒ Nine individuals who may have illegally voted in the City of Alachua’s April 8, 2025, municipal election are now the subjects of an expanding investigation involving state and federal law enforcement.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections referred the cases to the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office on May 20 after determining that the individuals — each with felony convictions and outstanding court fines or fees — may have registered and cast ballots while ineligible. Florida law prohibits individuals with unresolved felony sentences or financial obligations from voting.

Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton stated in a letter to State Attorney Brian Kramer that her office had found “evidence that nine of the eleven individuals have registered to vote and/or voted in an election when they were ineligible to do so.” The remaining two were confirmed to be eligible voters and will not face further action.

According to information obtained by Alachua County Today, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is actively investigating the matter. The FBI has also been notified, as some individuals cast ballots in federal elections in 2020 and 2024.

“Our prosecution team met with the Department of State and FDLE today,” wrote Darry Lloyd, Chief of Investigations for the State Attorney’s Office, in a July 16 email. “FDLE will complete their investigation and forward their findings to our office for prosecution.”

The investigation stems from complaints initially submitted to the Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS). OECS Director Jillian Pratt confirmed in June that the agency had referred the matter to both FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office.

Under Florida law:

• S. 104.15 makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly vote without being legally qualified.
• S. 104.42(1) authorizes supervisors of elections to investigate and report unlawful registrations or voting.

Voters Flagged for Potential Violations

As of mid-July, eight of the nine individuals identified have been purged from the voter rolls. A ninth is pending removal, having received a notice of potential ineligibility on July 3.

The following individuals were flagged by the Supervisor’s Office:

• John W. Richard Jr. (VID: 126586271) – Registered in 2019; voted in four elections; owes fines from four felony cases (2005–2015).
• Jimmy Smith (VID: 127843422) – Registered in 2020; owes fines from three felony cases (2009–2020).
• Latasha A. Steward (VID: 127343924) – Registered in 2019; voted in multiple elections; owes fines from two felony cases.
• Bianca C. Webb (VID: 126641114) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2022 primary; owes fines from four felony cases.
• Antonio J. Hall (VID: 126616387) – Registered in 2019; voted in three elections; owes fines from a 2001 case.
• Jamie R. McGhee Sr. (VID: 126660044) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2020 and 2024; owes fines from a 1990 conviction.
• Jeffery Robinson (VID: 126686510) – Registered in 2019; voted in 2024 general; owes fines from three felony cases.
• B. Banks (VID: 127888289) – Registered in 2020; voted in six elections; owes fines from a 1998 case.
• Vince B. Dixon Jr. (VID: 132113016) – Registered in 2024; voted in federal elections; involved in a 2006 federal case and owes $100 in court fines.

As of press time, no criminal charges have been announced. The State Attorney’s Office will determine whether to prosecute once FDLE completes its investigation.

This case marks one of the most expansive local voter eligibility investigations in recent years and follows increased scrutiny of election integrity by state and federal authorities. Local officials emphasized the importance of due process as the investigation proceeds.

“We take all credible allegations seriously,” Barton stated, “and we are committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Alachua County.”

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