Former Congressman pleads guilty to election fraud charges in Philadelphia

Myers plead guilty to "conspiracy to deprive voters of civil rights, bribery, obstruction of justice, falsification of voting records, and conspiring to illegally vote in a federal election," the Department of Justice said in a statement.

"Myers admitted in court to colluding with the Judge of Elections for the 39th Ward, 36th Division in South Philadelphia, Domenick J. Demuro, in a fraudulent scheme over several years," the Department of Justice said, "bribing Demuro to illegally add votes for certain candidates of their mutual political party in primary elections."

The DOJ revealed that Myers would pay Demuro between $300 and $5,000 per election in return for adding fraudulent votes and later falsely certifying that the results given by the voting machines were accurate.

Myers also admitted to "conspiring to commit election fraud" with former Judge of Elections for the 39th Ward, 2nd Division in South Philadelphia, Marie Beren. Myers said that before Election Day began, he would drive Beren to the polling station and advise her as to which candidates he supported, then call her during the proceedings to ensure that fraudulent votes went to the right people. Beren would then falsely certify the elections.

Myers would have fraudulent votes placed for his clients, as well as other candidates running for office that Myers preferred.

Both Demuro and Beren separately pleaded guilty for their actions in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy," said US Attorney Jennifer Williams following Myers' guilty plea. "If even one vote has been illegally cast or if the integrity of just one election official is compromised, it diminishes faith in process. Votes are not things to be purchased and democracy is not for sale. If you are a political consultant, election official, or work with the polling places in any way, I urge you to do your job honestly and faithfully. That is what the public deserves and what the federal government will enforce."