2022 Arabin presidential election fraud investigation

See also: Impeachment of Lucien Orton (Arabi) and Impeachment of Jameson Reynolds (Arabi)

2022 presidential electoral vote results

Official portrait of Lucien Orton (2023)

The 2022 Arabin presidential election fraud investigation was an investigation into the 30th Arabin President Lucien Orton, several members of his 2022 presidential campaign, Supreme Court Justice Jameson Reynolds, and several federal and state election workers. This investigation was one of the biggest federal investigations in Arabin history due to the number of people being investigated as well as the severity of the crimes being investigated. The investigation focused on six points:

1. Election fraud and manipulation
2. Role of Supreme Court Justice Jameson Reynolds
3. Campaign Finance Violations
4. Conspiracy and Collusion
5. Obstruction of Justice
6. Misuse of Presidential Power

The investigation was led by Special Counsel Lisa Goodly. Goodly closed the investigation on November 22, 2024, and turned in her official report to the Attorney General on Monday, November 25. The report was released to the public the next day.

In response to the report on November 26, the House Speaker, the House Majority Leader, and House Minority Leader called on Orton and Jameson to resign. They were given 24 hours to resign or risk impeachment. When both refused to resign, on November 27, 2024, the House impeached Justice Jameson Reynolds and President Lucien Orton. Marking the first time a Supreme Court Justice or President has ever been impeached. Reynolds' trial in the Senate is scheduled to start December 9, 2024, while Orton's has yet to be scheduled.

Origin

Following allegations raised by three whistleblowers in December 2023, the Department of Justice, at the request of Attorney General Edward Hopkins, initiated an independent comprehensive investigation into the 2022 presidential election, specifically concerning President Lucien Orton, Associate Supreme Court Justice Jameson Reynolds, Orton's Chief of Staff William Kirkland, Campaign Manager Martin Dobbs, and several state and federal election workers. The investigation sought to determine whether these individuals and their associates conspired to manipulate the outcome of the election in President Orton's favor and if they participated in an organized cover-up afterward.

Grand Jury

Purpose and Scope

The grand jury was established to conduct a thorough review of the complex and far-reaching claims of election fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. The primary objectives included:

1. Reviewing Evidence of Election Fraud

• Analyzing voter data, election machine records, and testimonies from election officials to determine if fraudulent practices were employed to alter vote counts in favor of President Orton.
• Investigating the use of unauthorized ballots and potential tampering with voting software and hardware.

2. Investigating Financial Irregularities

• Tracing the flow of funds related to campaign finance violations, including the use of shell corporations and dummy charities through which illegal campaign contributions were funneled.
• Examining financial records linked to President Orton's campaign and identifying transactions that violated campaign finance laws.

3. Evaluating the Role of Justice Jameson Reynolds

• Gathering evidence to confirm or refute claims that Reynolds used his judicial influence to shield Orton’s campaign from legal scrutiny.
• Reviewing communications between Reynolds and campaign officials that suggested coordination in concealing election-related crimes.

4. Subpoenaing Key Witnesses

• The grand jury had the authority to issue subpoenas compelling testimony from high-level figures, including Orton’s campaign staff, Chief of Staff, and election workers suspected of involvement.
• The panel heard from whistleblowers who initially raised alarms about the election manipulation and financial misdeeds.

5. Examining Alleged Obstruction of Justice

• Reviewing instances where Orton, Reynolds, and associates might have obstructed investigative processes, including the destruction of documents and intimidation of witnesses.
• Considering whether false testimonies were given during the initial stages of the inquiry and the extent to which federal agencies were influenced to suppress evidence.

Significant Findings

Over a series of sessions from February to May 2024, the grand jury gathered extensive evidence, including:

• Testimonies from Whistleblowers: Multiple whistleblowers provided detailed accounts of how election fraud was orchestrated and how they were either coerced or incentivized to cooperate.
• Financial Records and Communications: Bank records and intercepted communications substantiated claims of a network of officials collaborating to execute and cover up the fraudulent activities.
• Subpoenaed Documents: Hundreds of documents, including emails and internal memos, indicated that Justice Reynolds was actively involved in advising Orton's team on legal strategies to bypass election regulations.

Criminal charges

As the investigation led by Special Counsel Lisa Goodly advanced, a significant development emerged in the form of criminal charges against several state and federal election workers implicated in the scheme to manipulate the 2022 presidential election. These individuals were key players in the alleged plot to secure President Lucien Orton’s victory through fraudulent means. Below is a summary of the charges brought forward:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Election Fraud

• Charges: Multiple state and federal election workers faced charges of conspiring to commit election fraud, a serious felony. The indictment detailed how these individuals collaborated to alter vote counts and manipulate the election infrastructure in favor of President Orton.
• Evidence: Investigators gathered digital communications, including emails and text messages, outlining coordinated efforts to adjust voter rolls, tamper with voting machines, and facilitate the addition of false ballots.

2. Tampering with Voting Machines and Election Infrastructure

• Charges: Some workers were charged with unlawfully accessing and modifying voting machines. This included altering software settings and programming to shift votes from Orton’s opponent to Orton himself.
• Details: Forensic examination of voting machines in key states revealed irregular code changes consistent with vote manipulation. Testimonies from whistleblowers corroborated these findings, explaining how election workers were instructed to make specific alterations under threat of dismissal or with promises of future rewards.

3. Fraudulent Certification of Election Results

• Charges: A subset of election officials faced charges related to the fraudulent certification of vote totals. These charges were linked to knowingly signing off on false results that inflated Orton’s electoral advantage.
• Implications: The fraudulent certifications led to a cascade of legal violations, including misleading state authorities and federal oversight bodies that verified election outcomes.

4. Obstruction of Justice

• Charges: Obstruction charges were brought against workers who attempted to destroy evidence or mislead investigators during the inquiry. This included deleting emails, wiping data from voting systems, and fabricating documents to disguise their involvement.
• Actions Documented: Investigators detailed how certain election officials participated in shredding files and erasing digital records in the days following the election, in an effort to conceal fraudulent activities.

5. Violation of Campaign Finance Laws

• Charges: Several election workers were implicated in the campaign finance violations that were central to funding the scheme. They were accused of facilitating the movement of illicit funds from dummy corporations to finance the election fraud operation.
• Findings: Bank transactions and financial records traced back to workers who facilitated the flow of dark money into campaign operations that directly supported voter manipulation.

Notable individuals charged

In two key states, senior election supervisors were charged as principal actors in coordinating the fraudulent activities, including directing subordinates to bypass security measures and falsify vote counts, contractors brought in to oversee voting machine operations were charged with modifying software to ensure the election results favored Orton, and clerks who signed off on falsified results or participated in fabricating voter data faced conspiracy and fraud charges.

Results

Key findings

1. Election Rigging Conspiracy: Evidence reveals that President Lucien Orton and his campaign engaged in a deliberate conspiracy to rig the 2022 Arabin presidential election. The investigation uncovered the following:

Collusion with State and Federal Officials: President Orton’s campaign colluded with officials in at least six key states to manipulate the electoral results. These states were crucial for securing the electoral college victory despite Orton losing the national popular vote. Election workers in these states, many of whom were long-time associates of Orton or members of his campaign, were bribed or promised future positions within the administration to ensure Orton's victory.

Fake Voter Tabulations: Several state election offices falsified vote counts by tampering with digital election machines. This manipulation was overseen by federal election officials who were sympathetic to the Orton campaign. The investigation uncovered emails between campaign officials and state election supervisors discussing specific districts where vote counts were altered.

Orchestrated Ballot Dumping: Witness testimony and digital forensic evidence show that fraudulent absentee ballots were introduced into the election process, particularly in urban districts. These ballots were traced back to a shell company linked to Martin Dobbs, Orton’s campaign manager, which funded the creation of false ballots that were later certified by compromised election workers.

2. Involvement of now Supreme Court Justice Jameson Reynolds: Justice Jameson Reynolds played a key role in the conspiracy by lending his influence and legal expertise to the cover-up as legal counsel to the Orton campaign:

Legal Cover for Electoral Manipulations: Reynolds was found to have provided the Orton campaign with legal strategies to navigate potential challenges in the courts. In return, he was promised a Supreme Court nomination after Orton’s campaign successfully pushed for the expansion of the Court by two seats. Reynolds's dummy corporation, which donated heavily to the Orton campaign, was instrumental in funding the election-rigging operation.

Abuse of Judicial Power: Reynolds also used his influence to sway lower court rulings in favor of the Orton campaign, ensuring that early lawsuits challenging the election results were dismissed. Several judges cited unusually aggressive lobbying by Reynolds’s judicial clerks and associates in the lead-up to key rulings.

3. Cover-Up Efforts: After the rigging was completed, key players, including Orton’s Chief of Staff William Kirkland and Campaign Manager Martin Dobbs, participated in an elaborate cover-up to hide the conspiracy:

Suppression of Whistleblowers: Internal documents and witness statements show that the Orton administration, led by Kirkland, engaged in efforts to suppress information. Whistleblowers were threatened with legal retaliation and, in some cases, faced harassment from government officials. Dobbs, in particular, was involved in orchestrating these intimidation tactics.

Destruction of Evidence: Multiple instances of document shredding, email deletions, and tampering with financial records were uncovered. For example, financial statements from Orton’s campaign revealed money funneled through shell corporations, but key documentation linking these funds directly to election fraud operations had been destroyed. Despite this, enough corroborating evidence from alternative sources confirmed the existence of these payments.

Perjury and Misleading Investigators: Multiple individuals involved in the conspiracy, including Orton himself, gave false testimony to federal investigators. Text messages, emails, and phone call logs show discrepancies between their public statements and the information that investigators uncovered. Justice Reynolds was also found to have lied during congressional testimony about his involvement in the election operations.

4. Financial Crimes and Fraud: The investigation revealed substantial financial irregularities:

Campaign Finance Violations: Orton’s campaign was found guilty of violating campaign finance laws by accepting donations through a dummy company, which was later used to pay off election officials involved in the rigging operation. This company, registered under a pseudonym associated with Reynolds, received over $20 million in illicit contributions, which were funneled to election workers, including payments for the alteration of vote counts.

Creation of Shell Companies: At least three shell companies, linked to both the Orton campaign and Justice Reynolds, were established to launder funds used in the election scheme. These companies, created months before the election, received significant financial transfers from anonymous donors. Financial records confirmed that these funds were used for fraudulent election activities.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that President Lucien Orton, in coordination with Justice Jameson Reynolds, Chief of Staff William Kirkland, Campaign Manager Martin Dobbs, and a network of state and federal election workers, orchestrated a criminal scheme to steal the 2022 Arabin presidential election. The rigging was accompanied by a deliberate cover-up that involved the destruction of evidence, perjury, and the intimidation of whistleblowers.

These actions represent severe violations of Arabin law, including:

• Electoral fraud
• Conspiracy against the state
• Perjury and obstruction of justice
• Campaign finance violations
• Fraudulent misrepresentation

The findings support immediate legal actions against all parties involved and provide strong grounds for the prosecution of President Lucien Orton and his associates for crimes that have undermined the democratic process of Arabi.

Response

Lucien Orton

"The findings presented by Special Counsel Lisa Goodly are nothing more than a politically motivated attack designed to undermine the legitimacy of my presidency and the will of the Arabin people.

From the moment I announced my candidacy, I have faced relentless opposition from career bureaucrats, partisan operatives, and a media establishment intent on destroying the conservative movement in Arabi. This investigation, with its baseless accusations and biased conclusions, is just the latest attempt to overturn a free and fair election.

I categorically deny any involvement in election fraud, campaign finance violations, or obstruction of justice. The 2022 election was conducted lawfully, and I won the electoral college according to the Constitution of Arabi. The so-called ‘evidence’ against me is nothing more than a collection of hearsay, unsubstantiated claims, and politically motivated testimonies from individuals with their own agendas.

I will not be intimidated by these tactics, and I will fight to clear my name and restore integrity to our political system. I have faith in the truth, and I am confident that the Arabin people will see this for what it is: a witch hunt orchestrated by those who refuse to accept the voice of the voters."

Jameson Reynolds

"The allegations brought against me by the Special Counsel’s investigation are entirely without merit. I have dedicated my career to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary. Any suggestion that I engaged in unethical or illegal conduct to influence the 2022 election is not only false but an insult to the very institution I serve.

The investigation’s findings rely on circumstantial evidence and dubious testimony from individuals with clear political motivations. I have never, in any capacity, used my position as Associate Justice to interfere in the democratic process or to provide ‘legal cover’ for any campaign.

I stand by my record, and I look forward to defending myself against these unfounded accusations. The judicial branch must remain impartial, and I will fight to preserve the integrity of our courts against these partisan attacks."

Orton's campaign

"The Orton 2022 Campaign categorically denies any involvement in the alleged election fraud or campaign finance violations outlined in the Special Counsel’s report. The claims made against our team are politically motivated and designed to discredit a historic and lawful victory.

Our campaign operated within the bounds of the law and adhered to all electoral regulations. The accusations of collusion with election officials, tampering with voting machines, and funneling illegal funds through shell companies are completely false and have no basis in reality.

We believe in the democratic process and respect the rule of law. However, this investigation has been tainted by bias from the outset, and its findings reflect a predetermined conclusion rather than an objective pursuit of truth. We stand by President Orton and will continue to support him as he fights to clear his name and protect the legacy of his administration."

Democratic Party

"The Democratic Party of Arabi stands with the people of this nation who demand accountability, transparency, and the preservation of our democratic institutions. The findings of Special Counsel Lisa Goodly’s investigation reveal a deeply troubling and unprecedented assault on the foundations of our republic.

The evidence is clear: President Lucien Orton, his campaign, and their co-conspirators engaged in a coordinated effort to subvert the will of the Arabin people, manipulate the outcome of a free and fair election, and then cover up their actions through lies and obstruction. These actions represent not only a betrayal of public trust but a direct threat to the integrity of our democratic system.

The findings detail how illegal campaign funds were funneled through shell corporations, how state and federal election workers were coerced into tampering with votes, and how Associate Justice Jameson Reynolds, a sitting member of the Supreme Court, allegedly conspired to protect the Orton administration from scrutiny. This level of corruption and disregard for the rule of law cannot and will not be tolerated.

President Orton’s response—filled with denial, deflection, and accusations of a ‘witch hunt’—is a predictable but futile attempt to evade accountability. The facts speak for themselves. No one, not even the president or a Supreme Court justice, is above the law.

We commend the Special Counsel and her team for their diligence and impartiality in exposing these crimes. The Democratic Party fully supports the impeachment and removal of both President Orton and Associate Justice Reynolds. Furthermore, we call on the Department of Justice to continue pursuing criminal charges against all individuals involved in this conspiracy.

This is a pivotal moment in Arabi’s history. Our democracy is resilient, but it requires vigilance from every citizen to protect it from those who seek to undermine it for personal gain. We urge all members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, to put country over politics and ensure that justice is served.

The Democratic Party remains committed to restoring faith in our institutions, safeguarding free and fair elections, and holding those in power accountable for their actions. Arabi deserves leadership that honors the principles of democracy, integrity, and justice. President Orton and Justice Reynolds have betrayed these principles, and they must face the consequences."

Republican Party

"The Republican Party of Arabi has always stood for the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of our nation’s institutions. We believe in upholding these values, even in moments of great challenge and uncertainty.

The findings of the Special Counsel’s investigation have raised serious concerns about the conduct of the 2022 presidential election and the actions of individuals within our government. These allegations strike at the heart of our democracy, and it is our duty to take them seriously and ensure they are addressed with transparency and accountability.

As a party, we recognize that no individual is above the law and that public trust in our institutions must be preserved. The Arabin people deserve leaders who act with integrity and who respect the democratic process. While we acknowledge the accomplishments of the Orton administration, we must also recognize the gravity of the situation before us.

Our focus remains on the future of Arabi and the continued strength of our republic. The path forward must be guided by a commitment to truth, justice, and the preservation of the democratic system that has made our nation strong.

We trust that the members of the Senate will deliberate carefully, weighing the evidence presented, and make the decision they believe is in the best interest of the country. The Republican Party will continue to prioritize the well-being of the nation and the trust of the Arabin people as we move through this difficult time."