Three Hill District residents were charged today with conspiring to steal funds during April’s primary election, according to an affidavit released by the Allegheny County district attorney’s office.
The affidavit alleges that the forgery was led by Sharon Troutman, a former Judge of Elections for District 2 of the city’s 26th Ward, which covers the Hill.
Ms. Troutman, 38, submitted false attendance rosters and pay sheets for her 20-year-old son, Jermale Lewis, and cousin Aleta Swann, 44. Neither was working the poll that day, according to the complaint.
All three are charged with one count each of theft, forgery and criminal attempt to commit theft and conspiracy.
As election judge on April 26, Ms. Troutman was responsible for completing and submitting the roster and pay sheet for anyone working at the poll. When authorities interviewed Ms. Swann at her home, she told officials that Ms. Troutman had promised her $25 of a $105 check drafted from Allegheny County’s general fund in exchange for using her name and information. Ms. Swann told the county controller’s office that Ms. Troutman reneged on the payment. The controller’s office then notified Pittsburgh Police.
Ms. Swann also had told officials that Ms. Troutman’s son, Mr. Lewis, was listed as a false poll worker. He also received and cashed a $105 check from the same general fund.
The controller’s office stopped payment on both checks. The signatures on the pay sheets submitted by Ms. Troutman were compared to Ms. Swann’s and Mr. Lewis’ signatures on their state driving records. The state signatures were completely different from the pay sheet signatures, and both pay sheet signatures were very similar, according to the affidavit.
All three will be notified of the charges via summons.
Lily Oppenheimer: loppenheimer@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1937
First Published: July 12, 2016, 8:35 p.m.