A pastor in Roanoke, Virginia, is facing felony charges for allegedly falsifying signatures to qualify to appear on the ballot for a 2024 city council election. Bishop J.L. Jackson of ReFreshing Church has been charged with four counts of election fraud.
Jackson had been running as a Democrat in a primary election for the Roanoke city council.
According to WDBJ, the alleged offense took place on March 17, 2024, when Jackson filed to run. In June, the registrars office received an email alleging that Jackson had falsified his ballot-qualifying signatures.
Jackson is accused of copying signatures from a previous campaign in 2022. Additionally, 11 signatures were reportedly found to have been dated after the signature page was notarized.
In total, allegedly only 97 of the required 125 signatures were valid.
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When these allegations became known, Jackson dropped out of the race.
“After careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to withdraw from the 2024 Roanoke City Council race. This decision is rooted in my unwavering devotion to my faith, family, and community,” Jackson said at the time. “I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and to always acting in a manner that brings honor to my family and the community I cherish.”
“At this juncture, my primary focus is on prioritizing my family, my church, as well as my personal well-being and mental health. These are essential to my ability to fulfill my roles as a devoted husband, father, and pastor,” the statement continued. “Following guidance from counsel and taking the necessary time for rest and rejuvenation, I fully intend to resume my efforts in serving our community. I am sincerely grateful for your understanding and support during this period of transition.”
Jackson has now been criminally charged and could face jail time if convicted.
Registrar Nicholas Ocampo told WSLS, “The office of voter registration and elections takes every claim of election fraud seriously. We turn over any findings to the commonwealth’s attorney, as we did in this case with Bishop Jackson.”
