Two people face federal charges in an alleged scheme to rig Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association elections.
A Nov. 18 statement from U.S. Attorney Jim Letten in New Orleans said charges against Sean Alfortish, a former Kenner City Court magistrate, and Jefferson Parish resident Mona Romero include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
The indictment accuses them of conspiring to rig the 2008 horsemen's association election to re-elect Alfortish as president and to replace certain board members. Alfortish's lawyer said Alfortish cooperated in the probe and will fight the charges.
A phone number for Romero, the Louisiana HBPA executive director, was not available, and there was no record of her attorney in papers accompanying the indictment.