Crawford filed petitions in December 2011 to run in the March 2012 Democratic primary for the new 10th congressional district seat — which includes Montgomery, Greene and half of Fayette counties. But he was disqualified when Montgomery County Board of Elections officials ruled that 91 of his signatures were not genuine and appeared to be written by the same person.
Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Greg Flannagan said Crawford also turned in signatures from people who were deceased.
Flannagan said election falsification is a fifth-degree felony, punishable by up to a year in prison. Common Pleas Judge Dennis Adkins continued Crawford’s case until May 29.
That congressional primary was eventually won by Sharen Neuhardt, who will face Republican Mike Turner in November.
Steve Harsman, deputy director of the election board, said Crawford’s petitions to run for Trotwood mayor in 2011 also had improper signatures, causing him to be disqualified from the ballot. Crawford does not face charges related to that filing.
This is Montgomery County’s second election falsification case stemming from 2011. Brenda Griffin of Dayton pleaded guilty in April to 18 felony counts for falsifying signatures to get a local liquor option on the ballot. She was sentenced last week to five years probation.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley @DaytonDailyNews.com.
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