Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Teagen Marie Targhuhanuchi, a 41-year-old resident of Titusville, on charges related to fraudulent voter registrations and identity theft. The arrest follows an investigation into activities conducted while collecting signatures for Smart & Safe Florida’s ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational marijuana use in the state.
According to investigators, Targhuhanuchi worked as a paid petition circulator for Smart & Safe Florida and attended several events to gather signatures for ballot initiative 25-01. Authorities allege that after obtaining personal information from individuals who signed petitions, she used this data without their consent to submit fraudulent voter registration applications.
Targhuhanuchi faces 12 counts of Identity Theft, 12 counts of Submission of Fraudulent Voter Information, and one count of Identity Theft involving more than ten individuals. The case was investigated by the Office of Election Crimes & Security and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement following a report from the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution in Florida’s Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
“There is no excuse for a mega marijuana corporation and its affiliates to fraudulently hijack Florida’s Constitution,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This behavior is a direct attack on election integrity, and we will hold anyone who commits or participates in these crimes fully accountable.”
The Florida State Executive – Attorney General provides educational programs and consumer alerts aimed at protecting residents from fraud and scams across the state. These efforts include resources for vulnerable groups such as seniors and military veterans, collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and public service initiatives focused on consumer protection.