Plainfield, NJ — A former candidate for mayor in Plainfield admitted to submitting fraudulent voter registration applications tied to a local election, pleading guilty to forgery in a case that investigators say involved hundreds of falsified forms. Henrilynn Ibezim, 71, entered the plea Monday in Union County Superior Court, acknowledging his role in attempting to influence the June 2021 Democratic primary.
Under a plea agreement, Ibezim admitted to one count of third-degree forgery, while prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.
Scheme involved bulk submission of false applications
According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Ibezim attempted to submit approximately 1,000 fraudulent voter registration applications by bringing them in a garbage bag to a post office in Elizabeth.
Investigators say the applications contained personal identifying information of individuals without their knowledge or consent. Many forms appeared to be completed by only a handful of writers, raising immediate red flags.
Authorities also noted the applications failed to disclose that they had been filled out by someone other than the listed voter, a required declaration under election law.
Prosecutors emphasize election integrity
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the case highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of elections.
“It is crucial to our system of government that those who engage in illegal and bad faith conduct during elections be held accountable,” Davenport said. “Failing to do so opens the door to a loss of public confidence in the democratic process.”
The case was prosecuted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s Corruption Bureau.
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Key Points
• Former Plainfield mayoral candidate pleaded guilty to forgery in voter fraud case
• Prosecutors say he attempted to submit about 1,000 falsified registration forms
• Sentencing scheduled for June 18; plea deal includes recommendation for probation
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Plea deal avoids trial
The guilty plea, entered before Judge Candido Rodriguez Jr., came as part of an agreement that spares Ibezim from trial and limits potential penalties. Prosecutors will recommend a probationary sentence, though final sentencing remains at the discretion of the court.
In addition to dismissing other charges in the indictment, the state agreed not to pursue further prosecution related to the defendant’s conduct during the 2021 election.
What happens next
Ibezim is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2026. The court will determine whether to accept the recommended probation as the case formally concludes.
