An Arizona Republican who falsely claimed to be a legitimate presidential elector for former President Donald Trump has pleaded guilty for her role in the scheme to subvert the 2020 election.
Lorraine Pellegrino, one of 11 Arizona Republicans posing as Trump’s electors, accepted a guilty plea for filing a “false instrument” — the fraudulent Electoral College certificate. This state charge was among several she faced for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to corrupt Arizona’s election results.
In April, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes charged 11 fake electors, along with several top Trump allies, in a broad indictment. While Trump himself was not charged in the Arizona case, he was identified as an unindicted co-conspirator by a state grand jury. Trump is also facing federal and Georgia state charges related to his fake elector scheme and efforts to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory.
Pellegrino’s plea deal marks the second development this week in the Arizona fake electors case. Earlier this week, former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis began cooperating with prosecutors in exchange for a deal to dismiss the charges against her.
Pellegrino is the first participant in the elector scheme to accept criminal responsibility, though dozens have been charged in several states. Her deal includes three years of probation without jail time.
“Lorraine Pellegrino’s decision to accept a plea to a lesser charge reflects her desire to move forward and put this matter behind her,” said her attorney Joshua Kolsrud. “She has taken full responsibility for her actions, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the law and contributing positively to the community.”
