Robertson County Woman Charged with Election Fraud

Robertson County Woman Charged with Election Fraud

Robertson County Woman Charged with Election Fraud

ORLINDA, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – According to an affidavit filed in Robertson County, a Robertson County woman has been charged with election fraud after allegedly lying about her residency to qualify to run for Commissioner in the city of Orlinda.

48-year-old Julie Ann Bernard was processed at the Robertson County Detention Facility in Springfield Tennessee on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:54 p.m. She was released from custody at 11:40 p.m. after posting a $5,000 bond. Bernard’s official charge is False Entry on an Official Election Document (TCA § 2-19-109), a Class D Felony if convicted. Charles Arms, the investigator for the 19th District, investigated and presented the case to the Grand Jury.

According to Jason White, Deputy District Attorney, the investigation was triggered by a complaint made to the DA’s office, and the case was presented to the Grand Jury.

The affidavit details that Bernard falsely claimed she lived in the incorporated boundaries of Orlinda, Tennessee, which was required for her candidacy.

According to the affidavit, Bernard is accused of intentionally, knowingly filing with the Robertson County Election Commission a candidate nominating petition that contained a false residential address of (redacted) Moore St, inside the incorporated boundaries of Orlinda, Tennessee, with the purpose of the false entry being so she could run for the position of city Commissioner for the city of Orlinda when in fact, her residential address, as defined by TCA § 2-2-122, was (redacted) Sparkman Rd, Orlinda, Tennessee, which is located outside the incorporated boundaries of Orlinda. In short, the allegation is that Bernard filed a false residential address on her election application so she could run for Commissioner.

Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 2-19-109 is a statute that addresses the illegal act of intentionally making false statements or providing incorrect information regarding voter registration or qualifications for candidacy in an election.

Specifically, this statute outlines the following:

  • False Information on Official Documents: It is unlawful for any person to intentionally file false information with an election commission or any other governmental authority concerning their qualifications to run for office or to register to vote. This includes falsely claiming residency in a specific district or location.
  • Penalties: A violation of this statute is considered a Class D felony, which can carry significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment and fines.

In summary, TCA § 2-19-109 makes it a crime to knowingly provide false information in the context of election documents, such as residency requirements for candidates, and subjects violators to felony charges.

Smokey Barn News will follow this case as it makes its way through the courts. As soon as an update is available, we will bring it to you.

The charges against Bernard are allegations, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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