Carlos Medrano Illegal Voting Trial Underway In Dallas

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The trial for former Dallas Justice of the Peace Carlos Medrano is underway.

The case centers on the allegation of illegal voting and influencing family members to break the law.

Medrano is a member of the politically driven family, which includes three generations of elected city council, school board and county government representatives.

Medrano, along with brother Frank Medrano III, is accused of voter fraud.

Prosecutors contend the duo conspired to get family members to vote in the 2010 Dallas Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 election, in which Medrano was a candidate, despite knowing the family members were ineligible to vote, based on residency.

Two young members of the Medrano clan, Raquel and Veronica Medrano, allegedly voted in the Dallas election, but actually lived in Mesquite.

Sgt. Jennifer Bloodworth, a state investigator, testified about her search for evidence, including Facebook admissions of voter fraud from one of the Medrano nieces.

At least six other members of the Medrano family face charges connected to the voter fraud investigation.

The case was moved to Rockwall County. Testimony is before a judge. There is no jury.

About 50 witnesses are expected to be called to testify in the case, including Medrano family members who may testify against the brothers.

The trial resumes Wednesday.