Press Statement from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a significant legal development, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the arrest of Teagen Marie Targhuhanuchi, 41, from Titusville. Targhuhanuchi was apprehended on January 14 in Alachua County, facing serious allegations of fraudulently filling out and submitting voter registration forms. Authorities claim she obtained personal information from unsuspecting victims by having them sign petitions for Smart & Safe Florida.

“There is absolutely no justification for a large marijuana corporation and its affiliates to deceitfully manipulate Florida’s Constitution,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Such actions are a blatant assault on the integrity of our elections, and we are committed to holding all perpetrators of these offenses accountable.”

According to investigators, Targhuhanuchi, who was employed as a petition circulator for Smart & Safe Florida, attended various events to gather signatures for ballot initiative 25-01. This initiative aims to legalize recreational marijuana use in the state. After collecting signatures, she allegedly misappropriated the personal details of those who signed the petitions, using the information to unlawfully fill out and submit voter registration forms without their consent.

Targhuhanuchi faces multiple charges, including 12 counts of Identity Theft, 12 counts of Submitting Fraudulent Voter Information, and an additional charge for Identity Theft involving more than 10 individuals.

This case was investigated by the Office of Election Crimes & Security and Florida Department of Law Enforcement following a report by the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections.

This case will be handled by the Office of Statewide Prosecution in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida.