The Department of Justice charged a former U.S. Congressman with ballot fraud, according to a Thursday press release. According to the unsealed indictment, Michael Myers, 77, is accused of “fraudulently stuffing the ballot boxes for specific candidates in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 primary elections, bribery of an election official, falsification of records, voting more than once in federal elections, and obstruction of justice.”

Myers allegedly bribed former Judge of Elections for the 39^th Ward, 36^th Division, Domenick J. Demuro to add votes for his party to voting machines. Moreover, Myers is said to have used ‘consultant fees’ to pay off Demuro. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Demuro pleaded guilty to similar charges to Myers in March.

“These charges, announced today by the Justice Department, clearly illustrate allegations of absolute disregard for the sanctity of our electoral system,” said Captain Leo D. Hannon Jr., Director of the Special Investigations Division of the Pennsylvania State Police.  “As disheartening as this conduct may be for the voting public in Philadelphia and elsewhere, the citizens we serve should be reassured by the fearless and tireless work of the attorneys, agents, and troopers tasked with the continuation of this active investigation.  Particularly in the current atmosphere of impending elections, the Pennsylvania State Police prioritize investigations into allegations of voter fraud and public corruption.”

The ex-Philadelphia Representative served the State’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House between 1976 and 1980. That was before he was ousted from Congress and served a three-year prison sentence for bribery, the Inquirer reports.

“Free and fair elections are the hallmark of our system of government,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for corruption of the electoral process, and we will spare no effort in investigating and prosecuting those who would seek an unfair advantage at the polls by bribing state and local officials responsible for ensuring the fairness of our elections.”