Arrest Expected in Voter Fraud Investigation 

(Pierre) – Attorney General Mark Barnett announced today that Becky Red Earth-Villeda, also known as Maka Duta, will be arrested in the ordinary course of events for alleged forgery of absentee ballot applications. “Maka Duta will be arrested in the ordinary course of events,” said Barnett. “No evidence has been obtained that shows she has cast or made an attempt to cast actual ballots.” 

Maka Duta will be charged in Minnehaha County on multiple counts of forgery. 

The Division of Criminal Investigation has interviewed over 400 people in 25 counties. DCI agents also conducted a lengthy interview with Maka Duta on Tuesday. The information obtained is still being processed. 

“Voters should proceed as normal and go to the polls on the 5th,” said Barnett. 

The Division of Criminal Investigation began investigating allegations of bogus absentee ballot applications after being alerted by county auditors. There are currently 30 DCI agents working on the case. 

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