Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announces arrest of Titusville woman for voter fraud and identity theft linked to Smart and Safe Florida petition initiative

Tallahassee. Florida – Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Teagen Marie Targhuhanuchi, 41, of Titusville, in connection with alleged voter fraud and identity theft linked to the Smart & Safe Florida ballot initiative. The charges stem from accusations that Targhuhanuchi, acting as a paid petition circulator, misused personal information collected from voters to submit fraudulent voter registration forms.

According to investigators, Targhuhanuchi participated in multiple events to gather signatures for ballot initiative 25-01, which proposed the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida. After collecting signatures, authorities say she unlawfully used the personal data of signees to submit voter registrations without their consent. The alleged actions have prompted serious concerns about the integrity of both voter registration and petition-driven ballot measures.

“There is no excuse for a mega marijuana corporation and its affiliates to fraudulently hijack Florida’s Constitution,” Attorney General Uthmeier said. “This behavior is a direct attack on election integrity, and we will hold anyone who commits or participates in these crimes fully accountable.”

Read also: Pembroke Pines invites residents of all ages to celebrate wellness and community at the Kindness Initiative 2026

Targhuhanuchi faces a total of 25 criminal charges, including 12 counts of identity theft, 12 counts of submission of fraudulent voter information, and one count of identity theft involving more than 10 individuals. Investigators emphasized that the pattern of alleged misconduct was deliberate and involved multiple victims, highlighting the severity of the case.

The investigation began after a report was filed by the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections and was conducted jointly by the Office of Election Crimes & Security and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities say that the coordinated effort ensured a thorough review of both the petition-gathering process and the alleged misuse of personal data.

The case will now be handled by the Office of Statewide Prosecution in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where prosecutors will determine how to proceed with charges and legal action against Targhuhanuchi. Officials emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting the electoral process and preventing voter fraud.

Attorney General Uthmeier has repeatedly stated that maintaining public trust in elections is a top priority. By targeting fraudulent activity associated with petition circulators, the office aims to send a clear message to individuals and organizations that misuse of personal information will not be tolerated.

Read also: West Palm Beach partners with United Way to offer free tax preparation services for residents earning under seventy-eight thousand dollars

Smart & Safe Florida, the organization behind the ballot initiative, has not been charged in connection with the arrest, but authorities are continuing to investigate whether other individuals or affiliates were involved in similar actions. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the circulation of ballot initiatives and voter registration campaigns.

Residents and voters are reminded to be cautious when providing personal information at petition events and to report any suspicious activity to local election officials. This case serves as a stark reminder that voter fraud and identity theft can occur even in seemingly routine civic engagement efforts, and state authorities are committed to addressing these threats decisively.

As the legal process unfolds, the arrest of Teagen Marie Targhuhanuchi reinforces Florida’s stance on protecting election integrity and upholding the rule of law, sending a message that illegal activity linked to the manipulation of voter information will face serious consequences.