Canadian citizen living in Massachusetts accused of voting illegally in federal elections since 2008

BOSTON – A legal permanent resident, residing in Saugus, Mass., has been arrested and charged for allegedly voting illegally since 2008.

According to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 40-year-old Sunny Manhertz was charged with one count of unlawful voting by aliens and one count of the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under state law. Manhertz made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.

According to the charging documents, Manhertz is a citizen of Canada and became a United States lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) on Feb. 25, 1987. On or about March 1, 2016, Manhertz submitted a Massachusetts Official Voter Registration Form under his own name. In response to the question, “Are you a Citizen of the United States of America?” Manhertz checked “Yes.”

Manhertz signed under penalties of perjury he was a United States citizen. According to Saugus records, Manhertz has voted in multiple federal elections, including the 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections. 

During the same period, Manhertz knew that he was not a United States citizen. On or about Feb. 13, 2019, approximately three years after registering to vote in Saugus but before the 2020 and 2024 federal elections, Manhertz allegedly submitted to the Department of Homeland Security an I-90 form, or an “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” On the form, Manhertz provided his Alien Registration Number, his name and his Saugus address. In response to a question regarding his legal status, Manhertz allegedly checked the box “Lawful Permanent Resident.” Manhertz signed and dated the application.

On May 11, 2026, law enforcement officers interviewed Manhertz. During the interview, Manhertz allegedly confirmed that he signed the March 1, 2016, Voter Registration Form. When shown a list of elections he had previously voted in, Manhertz allegedly confirmed that the list was accurate and further added that he has been voting since 2008.

The charge of procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under state law provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful voting by aliens provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.