Albia, Zeta, Fined for Deceptive Election Practices, Fail to Appear in Court

Grace O. Albia and Jannet Benitez Zeta were scheduled to enter Nolo Contendere (No Contest) pleas to misdemeanor Deceptive Election Practices in Phillips County Justice Court on September 13, 2022.

The charges alleged that they falsified their voter registration forms on October 12, 2021 by declaring that they were citizens of the United States. At the time, both were citizens of the Philippines living in Montana with work visas. Albia and Zeta no longer live or work in Montana. The plea agreement recommended that they each pay the maximum fine and surcharges of $585.00 and receive a five month suspended jail sentence.

On September 13,2022, the court held a change of plea hearing. Phillips County Attorney Dan O'Brien and the Defendants' attorney Thayne Johnson appeared. Albia and Zeta did not appear in person or by telephone. The County Attorney asked the court to forfeit their bond for failure to appear as required by the plea agreement. The court forfeited the $585.00 posted by each of them. The court granted Mr. Johnson additional time to locate his clients before the court issues an arrest warrant.

The matter is also being referred to U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement for further action.