ABC15 Investigator Melissa Blasius has built a reputation for asking tough questions and taking action on behalf of Arizona families.
In 2021, the ABC15 investigators exposedTim Seay's operation in a south Phoenix Masonic Lodge. He was offering to help former felons restore their civil rights. Several of those people later contacted ABC15 saying Seay had not restored their rights, and instead, they had been illegally registered to vote. The registrations were completed through the Service Arizona website.
After ABC15's investigation, Seay was indicted for computer tampering and seven counts of false voter registration. In court Friday, Seay admitted to going online to register people to vote without their permission. In exchange for the guilty plea on the computer crime, the voter registration charges are being dropped. Seay's plea agreement stipulates he will avoid prison time if he completes supervised probation and community services. He'll be formally sentenced in April.
As a result of ABC15's investigation, legislators made two changes to state law. One law improves communication between the courts and election offices to close the loophole that allowed ineligible felons on the voter rolls. The other law streamlines the civil rights restoration processfor felons. ABC15 Investigator Melissa Blasius covers policing and politics. Got a news tip? Email Melissa at [email protected].
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Health leaders promise change in how Arizona regulates SimonMed following ABC15 InvestigationJennifer Kovaleski joined the ABC15 Investigators in June 2023, bringing with her a lengthy record of law-changing, viewer-impacting investigations.
Read more »
East Valley Teen Violence | ABC15 ArizonaThe latest developments of the string of violent incidents surrounding teen violence in East Valley cities, and an alleged Gilbert Goons group.
Read more »
Attorney General sues Phoenix dress shop that left customers without dresses, refundsAshley Loose is a Real-Time Editor at ABC15 Arizona.
Read more »
Coyote rescued after being found trapped in Phoenix canal ladderAshley Loose is a Real-Time Editor at ABC15 Arizona.
Read more »
Extra 50/50 raffle money from D-backs playoff run going straight back into the communityClayton Klapper is a Real-Time Editor at ABC15 Arizona.
Read more »
Cycling community remembers those killed, injured on Goodyear crash anniversaryElenee Dao joined ABC15 in August 2022 as a multimedia journalist.
Read more »