DOJ Reviewing Felony Charges Against James O’Keefe, Cam Higby Over Undercover Election Sting

The U.S. Justice Department says it is examining Minnesota's felony case against journalists James O'Keefe and Cam Higby, voicing worry that the prosecution could amount to intimidation of First Amendment activity. A department spokesperson told the Daily Caller that officials are going through the police report, video and other material, but declined to say more.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Wednesday that both men face felony unlawful voting and identity theft charges, which carry up to five years in prison. The case stems from a video O'Keefe released in August. It shows him and Higby visiting Minneapolis polling places during the state primary, dressed in Islamic garb and filming poll workers with hidden cameras. Prosecutors allege O'Keefe used fake accents and that Higby covered his face and head. They say the pair violated a state ban on seeking a ballot while posing as a registered voter. According to the criminal complaints, the video shows the two discussing a plan to spotlight Minnesota's voter-vouching law. Neither complaint claims either man actually voted.

Moriarty said politics and offense taken at the disguises played no role in the decision to charge.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Daily Caller’s reporting. Read the full story at Daily Caller →