Lodi city council member Shakir Khan arrested, now faces voter fraud charges
LODI – A Lodi city council member under heavy scrutiny for multiple criminal charges resigned, then claimed his resignation was coerced.
On Thursday morning, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office announced that Shakir Khan, who was already facing criminal charges, had been arrested on new charges that are related to the 2020 election.
Later Thursday morning, Khan resigned from the city council, according to Lodi Mayor Mikey Hothi.
"We became aware of Shakir Khan's arrest this morning and I had the opportunity to speak with him here at the county jail and asked for his resignation, effective immediately. He agreed to resign.
"The city is fully cooperating with the investigation. I want to thank the sheriff's office and everybody involved, ensuring a fair and thorough process."
However, Khan's attorney told CBS13 that his client was "under duress" when a city official forced him to resign without any legal representation there. He says Khan has not stepped down from his city council post, but the sheriff's office says there is a long list of evidence that shows Khan violated the public's trust.
Khan is facing charges of causing/procuring/allowing false voter registration of self/another person, submission of fraudulent registration to Secretary of State, submission of fraudulent candidacy petition, aiding/abetting the commission of fraud at any election, subscription of fictitious names to nomination petitions, false nomination/declaration of candidacy, fraudulently casting votes, and procuring/assisting/counseling/advising another not qualified to vote.
Back in 2021, Khan was arraigned on charges relating to illegal gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, and unemployment claim fraud.
The San Joaquin County Registrar's Office said they are fully cooperating with the sheriff's office with its investigation. They also say they are re-evaluating their systems in an effort to prevent voter fraud in the future.