Lawrence, Massachusetts, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Fidelina Santiago, a Lawrence City Councilor, has pleaded guilty to multiple voter fraud charges related to the recent municipal election. She admitted to 12 criminal counts, including unlawful voting and obstructing the voting process. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, with her defense requesting probation and community service. Another individual indicted alongside her remains not guilty. The investigation was initiated after reports of irregularities in mail-in ballot handling, prompting further scrutiny from authorities.
Lawrence, Massachusetts — Lawrence City Councilor Fidelina Santiago, 41, has pleaded guilty to multiple voter fraud charges tied to the 2023 municipal election, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Key facts
Santiago admitted to a total of 12 criminal counts: four counts of voting unlawfully, four counts of interfering with a voter, and four counts of obstructing voting. The admissions came during a change-of-plea proceeding in Essex Superior Court. A separate set of four counts charging conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally were filed but not pursued by prosecutors.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9. Prosecutors filed the case in Essex Superior Court after an investigation that began in 2023, following allegations reported to prosecutors by the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Video footage viewed by investigators showed a woman removing mail-in ballots from a mailbox outside a Lawrence residence, which prompted further inquiry.
Supporting details
Santiago was originally indicted in 2023 after winning a seat on the Lawrence City Council in the November municipal election. The election result showed Santiago won by approximately 16 percentage points over her opponent.
Another individual, identified in court filings as Jennifer Lopez, was indicted alongside Santiago. Lopez did not appear at the change-of-plea hearing and remains not guilty at this time. Prosecutors decided not to move forward on an additional four-count conspiracy charge against Santiago.
Santiago’s attorney submitted a sentencing memorandum stating that she has no prior criminal history. In that memorandum, the defense asked the court to impose three years of probation, require her immediate resignation from any elected position, bar her from seeking re-election, and order 100 hours of community service. The memorandum’s recommendations will be considered by the judge at sentencing.
Investigation and legal processing
The investigation began after election-related ballot irregularities were reported to prosecutors by the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office. Officials reviewed video evidence and other materials as part of their probe. The case proceeded through the grand jury and indictment process in Essex County and has been handled in Essex Superior Court.
Santiago did not respond to requests for comment on her guilty plea. The district attorney’s office announced the charges and the outcome of the plea proceeding in a public release.
What happens next
The next formal step in the case is the sentencing hearing set for October 9. At that hearing, the judge will consider the prosecutor’s recommendations, the defense’s sentencing memorandum, any victim impact or community statements the court allows, and the applicable state sentencing rules for the counts to which Santiago pleaded guilty.
Legal context
The counts to which Santiago pleaded guilty cover unlawful voting, interfering with a voter, and obstructing voting. These types of charges address conduct that can include submitting or handling ballots improperly, interfering with another person’s ability to cast a ballot, or actions that impede the administration of voting. Specific penalties can vary based on the statutes under which the charges were brought and the judge’s final sentencing decision.
Background and broader context
Mail-in and absentee ballot handling and election integrity have been the focus of increased scrutiny in many jurisdictions. Local authorities often rely on coordination between municipal officials, state election authorities, and prosecutors when allegations of improper voting emerge. In this case, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office referred the matter to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, which led to a criminal investigation and eventual indictment.
The matter is part of an ongoing legal process. With the guilty plea entered, the court will address sentencing and any collateral consequences that flow from a criminal conviction, including potential removal from office and restrictions on future candidacy, both of which have been requested by Santiago’s defense team.
FAQ
Who is Fidelina Santiago?
Fidelina Santiago is a sitting member of the Lawrence City Council who was elected in the November 2023 municipal election.
What charges did she plead guilty to?
She pleaded guilty to four counts of voting unlawfully, four counts of interfering with a voter, and four counts of obstructing voting.
Are there other defendants in the case?
Yes. Another individual, identified as Jennifer Lopez in court filings, was indicted alongside Santiago. Lopez did not appear at the change-of-plea hearing and remains not guilty.
How did the investigation start?
The investigation began after the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office reported allegations of fraudulent voting to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Video evidence showing a person removing mail-in ballots from a mailbox prompted further review.
What sentence has been requested by the defense?
The defense has requested three years of probation, immediate resignation from any elected office, a prohibition on seeking re-election, and 100 hours of community service.
When is the sentencing hearing?
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9 in Essex Superior Court.
Did Santiago have a prior criminal record?
The defense stated in court filings that Santiago has no prior criminal history.
Were all charges originally filed pursued by prosecutors?
Prosecutors chose not to pursue an additional four-count charge alleging conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Fidelina Santiago |
| Age | 41 |
| Office | Lawrence City Councilor |
| Charges pleaded to | 4 counts voting unlawfully; 4 counts interfering with a voter; 4 counts obstructing voting |
| Charges not pursued | 4 counts alleging conspiracy to vote or attempt to vote illegally |
| Indictment | 2023, after November municipal election |
| Election result | Won by approximately 16 percentage points |
| Co-defendant | Jennifer Lopez (indicted; remains not guilty) |
| Investigation started | Referral from Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office after ballot-related allegations |
| Sentencing date | October 9 |
| Defense request | Three years probation, immediate resignation, ban on re-election, 100 hours community service |
| Court | Essex Superior Court |
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