A former Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate is facing multiple felony charges related to alleged election fraud during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Following a detailed investigation, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office has filed nine criminal charges against Gaea Powell, 62, including voter registration fraud, perjury and fraudulent voting.
Prosecutors allege Powell falsely claimed to live within Arroyo Grande city limits when she actually resided outside of the city, making her ineligible to vote or run in city elections. They say the alleged offenses also include submitting false nomination papers and casting ballots in city races where she was not legally entitled to vote.
"We have evidence of her voter registration at a location and we have evidence that she lived in a different location," said District Attorney Dan Dow, "That's why we could charge the voter registration fraud counts. But beyond that, I really shouldn't talk about the specific facts."
Eight of the nine charges Powell faces are felonies. Her arraignment will be scheduled after she surrenders to authorities, posts bond or is booked.
Powell did not respond to KCBX's request for comment.
