SBI Agents Arrest Several after Investigation into Absentee Ballot Irregularities

Bladenboro, NC – August 1, 2019 – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has made several arrests after an investigation into absentee ballot irregularities in Bladen County.  On Tuesday, July 30, 2019, a grand jury returned indictments on several individuals. 

 On Wednesday, July 31, 2019, the following individuals turned themselves in to agents with the SBI’s Special Investigations Unit at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office: 

 Leslie McCrae Dowless - (Two counts felony obstruction of justice, perjury, felony solicitation to commit perjury, conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and possession of absentee ballot)
Lisa M. Britt - (Conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice, possession of absentee ballot and voting as a felon; $10,000 unsecured bond)
Ginger S. Eason - (Conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and possession of absentee ballot; $10,000 unsecured bond)
Woody D. Hester - (Two counts conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and possession of absentee ballot; $10,000 unsecured bond)
James R. Singletary - (Conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and possession of absentee ballot; $10,000 unsecured bond)
Jessica H. Dowless - (Conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and swearing falsely; $10,000 unsecured bond)
Kelly Hendrix - (Conspiracy to commit felony obstruction of justice and possession of absentee ballot; $10,000 unsecured bond)
 
Their first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2019, in Wake County. 
The SBI, Wake County District Attorney, the North Carolina State Board of Elections and federal authorities continue to work together.  This is an ongoing investigation.  Any questions should be directed to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman’s office.    

*Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.