ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Five people, including two sitting county commissioners, were charged in connection with a scheme that distributed bogus election fliers ahead of the 2024 election in St. Johns County, officials said, raising concerns as local voters head to the polls Aug. 18.
Recommended Videos
Authorities say the pamphlets — described as fraudulent voter guides — used the name, logo and likeness of the St. Johns County Republican Executive Committee without permission and falsely indicated party endorsements. Investigators allege the materials were created using the online design tool Canva and then circulated in the lead-up to last year’s election.
One of those charged is incumbent Commissioner Sarah Arnold, who is seeking re-election to Commission District 2 in the Aug. 18 contest. Another sitting commissioner and a political consultant are among the five accused.
Brianna Jordan, a political consultant and former campaign manager, is the only person in the case charged with a third-degree felony; the others face misdemeanor counts, officials said. Jordan also has an active arrest warrant, and prosecutors say she is the only one who could feasibly face jail time. The remaining defendants will be arraigned and a judge will determine any punishment.
The case was shifted out of the local circuit because of potential conflicts of interest. The State Attorney’s Office in St. Johns County (the 7th Judicial Circuit) declined to pursue the matter, and Jacksonville’s 4th Judicial Circuit also declined. The investigation was moved to the 8th Judicial Circuit in Alachua County.
The episode has put renewed attention on a county that has long leaned Republican. Michelle Jennings, chair of the St. Johns County Democratic Party, said the county’s political landscape is changing and that the party has seen an influx of financial and volunteer support in recent years.
“Historically this has been a deep-red county,” Jennings said. “I think a lot of things make that shift happen. We’ve seen a swell of people that have come out to support us both financially and through their volunteer efforts.”
Officials and local party leaders have pointed to the case as part of a broader pattern of election-related disputes nationwide. News reports and outlets have detailed separate investigations into fraudulent mailers and other alleged election misconduct in states including Montana and California.
Denver Cook, chair of the St. Johns County Republican Executive Committee, told local media he discovered the fake guides and alerted investigators.
The investigation remains with the 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Alachua County. Prosecutors have not released additional details on the timeline for charges or court proceedings.