Eight North Dakota State players charged with facilitating election fraud
Eight of 11 people charged with facilitating election fraud in North Dakota were North Dakota State football players, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
The 11 people were paid to circulate petitions on two measures proposed for the November ballot, and they were charged with filing false statements in connection with collecting signatures.
The fraudulent signatures have disqualified the proposed state conservation fund measure and medical marijuana initiative from the ballot.
The maximum penalty for this misdemeanor offense is one year's imprisonment, $2,000 in fines or both.
The eight North Dakota State players allegedly involved included four starters: running back Samuel Ojuri, defensive backs Marcus Williams and Brendin Pierre, and offensive lineman Josh Colville. Also charged were defensive backs Bryan Shepherd and Aireal Boyd, middle linebacker Antonio Rodgers and wide receiver Demitrius Gray.
Bison coach Craig Bohl told the Tribune the players will still be eligible to play in Saturday's game against Colorado State. He said any discipline would be administered after legal proceedings are completed.
