A former candidate for mayor in Plainfield, Henrilynn Ibezim, pleaded guilty on April 27 to a charge of third-degree forgery after admitting he submitted fraudulent voter registration applications during the June 2021 city election, according to an April 30 announcement by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
The case highlights concerns about election integrity and the importance of maintaining public trust in the democratic process. The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support, according to the official website.
Ibezim entered his plea before Judge Candido Rodriguez, Jr. in New Jersey Superior Court in Union County. As part of a plea agreement with the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), remaining charges against Ibezim will be dismissed. Prosecutors will recommend probation at his sentencing scheduled for June 18. Davenport said, “My office is determined to ensure elections are fair and that their outcomes are determined by the will of the voters. It is crucial to our system of government that those who engage in illegal and bad faith conduct during elections be held accountable. Failing to do so opens the door to a loss of public confidence in the democratic process.” Deputy Attorney General Kelly Amorim accepted Ibezim’s plea on behalf of OPIA.
Publicly filed documents state that Ibezim brought approximately 1,000 falsified voter registration applications—contained in a garbage bag—to an Elizabeth post office with plans to mail them to Union County officials. Many forms included personal information used without authorization; most appeared written by only three or four people rather than individual applicants as required by law.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin extends its services and authority throughout all counties and municipalities in the state according to its official website. The office influences public safety through enforcing laws and providing oversight across New Jersey as reported by its official site.
Under its statutory mandate, the New Jersey Attorney General holds statewide authority for law enforcement, prosecution of offenses, regulation of public safety matters according to its official website. Services provided include state legal representation, law enforcement oversight, crime lab support, victim advocacy programs, and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. The agency functions as a central body focused on justice and public safety within New Jersey according to its official website.
As this case moves toward sentencing next month, it underscores ongoing efforts by authorities at both local and state levels—including defense attorney Elizabeth Janszky from Union County’s Office of Public Defender—to address allegations involving electoral misconduct.
