Non-citizen pleads guilty to unlawful voting in federal election

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Maksim Sergeevich Shakirov, 29, a citizen of Uzbekistan residing in Rawlins, Wyoming, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of voting by an alien, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 611. Shakirov appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin for his initial appearance and entry of his guilty plea.

According to court documents, Shakirov unlawfully cast a ballot in the federal election held on November 5, 2024.

"Election integrity is the cornerstone of our Republic. We will not tolerate non-citizens voting," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "Anyone who votes illegally in Wyoming will be found out and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Shakirov's sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2027. The court will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other applicable statutory factors.

The Carbon County Sheriff's Office investigated the case in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Johnston is handling the case.

Case No. 26-CR-0070.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reminds the public that federal law protects voters from intimidation, disruption, and fraud at the polls. Individuals with information concerning suspected election crimes or voting rights violations may report those concerns to the Department of Justice or local law enforcement.

Information regarding suspected election fraud or unlawful voting may also be reported to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.govLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..