Former Lodi City Councilman Shakir Khan is heading to prison for his election fraud scheme in 2020.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday that Khan was sentenced to three years in jail under Assembly Bill 109.
The backstory: Khan pleaded no-contest in 2024 to election fraud and money laundering, among other charges, stemming from his actions four years prior.
- He was arrested in 2023 and charged with 14 felony counts of voter fraud charges for stashing 41 sealed and completed mail-in ballots at his house. He had also registered 23 people to vote at his address, and he used his email and phone number to register 47 other people.
- Khan was already facing charges for illegal gambling, tax evasion and Employment Development Department fraud at the time. He forfeited around $77,000 in cash and around $383,000 in property assets after admitting to those charges.
The big picture: After accepting a plea deal, Khan was sentenced to three years in county jail, with the third year suspended and served on mandatory supervision.
- The court also imposed an eight-year prison term that is stayed, contingent on his successful completion of mandatory supervision. The prison term may be imposed if he violates the terms of his supervision.
What they’re saying: “Today’s sentence shows the seriousness with which we take efforts to tamper with the electoral process in San Joaquin County,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Accountability includes honoring the plea and fulfilling the terms of supervision. If Mr. Khan fails to comply, the full consequences of his sentence will be enforced.”
