Specific charges have been outlined against a Blacksburg Town councilman accused of election fraud.
In Montgomery County Circuit Court, the four charges against Liam Watson are as follows:
On or about August 7, 2023 in Montgomery County, Virginia
LIAM JOSEPH WATSON feloniously and willfully made a false material statement or entry in a statement, form or report required by Title 24.2 of the Virginia Code [on a Virginia Voter Registration Application], in violation of Virginia Code 24.2-1016 and punishable as a Class 5 felony.
On or about August 28, 2023 in Montgomery County, Virginia
LIAM JOSEPH WATSON feloniously and willfully made a false material statement or entry in a statement, form or report required by Title 24.2 of the Virginia Code [on a Statement of Organization Candidate Committee], in violation of Virginia Code 24.2-1016 and punishable as a Class 5 felony.
On or about November 16, 2023 in Montgomery County, Virginia
LIAM JOSEPH WATSON feloniously and willfully made a false material statement or entry in a statement, form or report required by Title 24.2 of the Virginia Code [on a Declaration of Candidacy Form], in violation of Virginia Code 24.2-1016 and punishable as a Class 5 felony.
On or about August 7, 2023 to November 7, 2023 in Montgomery County, Virginia
LIAM JOSEPH WATSON feloniously and intentionally, voted in an election that he was not qualified to vote where and when the vote was given, in violation of Virginia Code 24.2-1004(B,iii) and punishable as a Class 6 felony.
Watson, 24 of Blacksburg, surrendered to state police July 24, 2024 after indictments were handed down by a Montgomery County grand jury.
At the direction of the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, state police say they initiated the investigation in March 2024 into an allegation of election fraud. July 23, 2024, the grand jury handed up three felony counts of election fraud and one felony count of illegally voting in an election.
Watson, who served a partial term as Chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee, has been released on bond.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Subscribe to our newsletter! Get updates on all the latest news in Virginia.