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A paid political consultant was charged Monday with the crime of impersonation in connection with deceptive "robocalls" made to more than 12,000 voters that attacked the two Republican incumbents in the June 2009 primary race for Assembly in the 40th legislative district in parts of Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties, state Attorney General Anne Milgram announced.
Kevin Collins, 39, of Brooklyn and formerly of Wood-Ridge, was charged by a complaint-summons with impersonation, a fourth-degree crime, and violation of the state Fair Campaign Practices Act, a disorderly persons offense, according to state Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni. The charges stem from an investigation by the division and the state police.
The complaint alleges that Collins, who was a paid political consultant for Republican challengers Joe Caruso and Anthony Rottino, was responsible for automated phone calls or "robocalls" attacking the Republican incumbents, Assemblymen Scott Rumana and David Russo.
The calls, which were made using a robocall service operated by an independent company, allegedly impersonated Rumana's chief of staff, Ann O'Rourke. The calls featured the voice of a woman who identified herself as "Ann."It is alleged that Collins obtained the cellular telephone number of Ann O'Rourke and provided it to the robocall service company so that it would appear that the automated phone message originated from her cell phone. The robocall went to more that 12,000 residents of the 40th district on June 2, primary election day.
The call made inaccurate remarks about the incumbent Assemblymen and encouraged recipients to vote against them. The call did not identify what campaign or political organization was responsible for it.
"This is a case of identity theft and misrepresentation," Milgram said. "The defendant used the victim's cell phone number and first name to make people believe she was responsible for the robocalls."
"We are committed to thoroughly investigating any charges of fraud or abuse involving the election process in New Jersey," Gramiccioni. "Fair and open elections are the bedrock of our democratic system of government, and we will root out any conduct that undermines that system."
Chris Daggett, who ran unsuccessfully for governor as an Independent candidate, has asked for an investigation of robocalls made in the name of his campaign as the Nov. 3 election neared.
The Collins investigation was conducted by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey J. Manis and the State Police Official Corruption Bureau, North Unit.
Fourth-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in state prison and a $10,000 fine, while disorderly persons offenses carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Collins will be ordered to appear in court at a later date to answer the charges.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
