Ballot box photo by Element5 Digital on unsplash.com

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp announced felony charges Thursday against the Firebaugh city clerk for alleged elections fraud.

Madera resident Amanda Pearl Speakes, 39, who also goes by Amanda Fleming, is alleged to have submitted a candidate application representing her family business address in Firebaugh as her residential address when she ran for city clerk last year, according to a DA news release.

Fleming’s true address is outside the City of Firebaugh, disqualifying her from seeking the position, Smittcamp alleges. Fleming won unopposed with 820 votes on Nov. 8, 2022, according to Fresno County election results.

When reached by phone Thursday morning, Fleming declined to comment, saying she would have a response soon.

She is also alleged to have voted in Fresno County for the Primary and General Elections in 2022 when she was not entitled to do so based on her actual residence in Madera County, Smittcamp said.

The felony complaint includes four counts — one for elections fraud, one for perjury and two counts of voter fraud.

If convicted on all charges and allegations, Fleming faces potential fines, jail time or up to five years and four months in state prison, according to the release.

A court date has yet to be determined.

Fleming also unsuccessfully ran for Assembly District 27 — the race won by former Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria.