WASHINGTON — Federal officials say several election fraud investigations remain active in California as disputes continue over access to voter records and election audits.

The issue gained renewed attention after U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called for a broader federal review of alleged election-related misconduct in California. In a letter to Department of Justice officials, Scott cited concerns about election integrity and urged investigators to determine whether recent cases represent isolated incidents or a larger pattern.

Among the cases referenced is that of Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong, a California resident who has agreed to plead guilty in a federal case involving allegations that individuals were paid to register to vote.

Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District, told The National News Desk that federal authorities are currently pursuing multiple election fraud investigations beyond the Brown Armstrong case.

Essayli said investigators intend to follow the evidence and will pursue criminal charges if sufficient evidence exists to meet the legal burden required for prosecution.

He also argued that auditing voter rolls could help determine whether election fraud is limited to a small number of cases or represents a broader concern. According to Essayli, efforts to conduct such audits have faced resistance from California officials, leading to legal disputes over access to records.

Essayli further criticized what he described as a lack of cooperation from state leadership regarding investigations involving election administration, healthcare and homelessness-related fraud.

The discussion also touched on the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Watson v. Republican National Committee, which could affect how mail-in ballots are handled in federal elections. The case centers on ballot receipt deadlines and could have significant implications for California’s election procedures if the court rules in favor of the Republican National Committee.

California officials have previously defended the state’s election system and voting procedures, while federal investigations and legal challenges continue to move forward.

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A man has been arrested in North Carolina and charged with first-degree murder following a homicide investigation that began after a body was discovered inside a burning vehicle in Kanawha County.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called to the 300 block of Cabin Creek Road on June 14 after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller told authorities the vehicle’s doors were open and personal items appeared to be scattered around the area.

A short time later, emergency dispatchers received another call reporting that the same vehicle was on fire.

Firefighters responded and extinguished the blaze. While examining the scene, first responders discovered a deceased person inside the vehicle.

Investigators said an autopsy was conducted by the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office, which determined the death was the result of a homicide. Officials have not released the specific manner of death.

The victim has not yet been formally identified, though investigators believe the deceased may be an adult male based on preliminary observations.

Authorities announced that Harold Patterson was later arrested in Scotland County, North Carolina, and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.

Patterson is currently being held without bond at the Scotland County Detention Center pending a court appearance.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said additional details are being withheld while the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 304-357-0556 or submit a tip through the department’s website.

The investigation remains ongoing.