Dallas L. Toler, Election Fraud, West Virginia 2012

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Dallas L. Toler, the former chief magistrate of Mingo County, has pleaded guilty to voter registration fraud. This is the fourth time a former Mingo County official has been brought to justice in connection with a federal corruption probe.

Toler, 45, is facing five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the scheme. He was a candidate to retain the office of magistrate in the 2012 primary election and was part of a political campaigning and fundraising group known as ‘Team Mingo.’

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Toler went to one of his rental properties in April 2012 to collect rent, where he encountered an individual on probation for a felony offense. Toler told the individual that he would arrange for them to be registered to vote in the 2012 primary election, despite knowing they were ineligible.

Toler later procured the completion and submission of a voter registration application in the individual’s name, which included a false statement that they were not on probation for a felony. The individual unlawfully voted in the 2012 primary election in Mingo County.

This is not the first time a Mingo County official has been brought to justice in connection with the federal corruption probe. In October, former Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury pleaded guilty to his role in a scheme to violate the constitutional rights of an individual. Former Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden also pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to illegally extort a discount from a Mingo County tire store.

Toler’s sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2014, before United States District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston. He faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the scheme.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steven Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn are handling the prosecution.

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