The next time you think you’ve had a string of bad luck, think about Annette Bosworth. The U.S. Senate hopeful has had a really bad couple of days.
Less than 24 hours after Bosworth learned she lost her bid for the Senate seat, she was arrested on felony fraud charges that were related to her campaign.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley charged Bosworth with six counts of perjury and six counts of filing false documents related to election campaign laws. Jackley claims that Bosworth fraudulently attested to gathering voter signatures when she was really on a Christian missions trip to the Philippines.
“The election complaints received by the Secretary of State involve conduct that is serious, deliberate, and must be addressed in order to preserve the integrity of our elections,” Jackley said in a statement. “Because this is a federal elected office, I have and will continue to discuss the investigation with federal authorities.”
Watch Bosley learn she lost the election on live television:
Bosley turned herself in to the Minnehaha Jail today after receiving the warrant. She was immediately released. She then held a press conference, in which she called the charges “a political intimidation scheme” by Jackley, who was appointed to his position by former Governor Mike Rounds in 2009. Rounds defeated Bosworth and three other Republicans Tuesday night to clinch the GOP nomination to replace retiring democrat Tim Johnson.
Jackley denies the allegations.
“The Attorney General does not have the luxury of taking a walk or a pass on tough issues,” said Jackley. “Ms. Bosworth’s conduct and statements regarding her petitions speak for themselves.”
Few stories have been as viscerally uncomfortable to follow this year as Annette Bosworth's campaign.
— Taniel (@Taniel) June 4, 2014
Annette Bosworth is charged 12 counts of perjury. pic.twitter.com/Hwniib4lga
— John Hult (@ArgusJHult) June 4, 2014
Annette Bosworth is in custody after a Hughes County warrant was issued today (http://t.co/iDL4hHz6tj) pic.twitter.com/wYNjl3necw
— KELO News (@keloland) June 4, 2014
Rumors swirled throughout Bosworth’s campaign that she falsely signed off on nominating petitions. These petitions contain voter signatures required for candidates to appear on the ballot. Bosworth signed documents stating she supervised the petition process, during the same time in which she visited the Philippines, causing the perjury charges.
Do you think Bosworth is guilty of perjury, or do you think Jackley is simply out to get her? Leave your thoughts below.
Image via Annette Bosworth, Facebook