Federal authorities have charged a prominent Atlantic City, N.J., Democratic political operative with conducting an elaborate mail-in ballot scheme even as politicians sought his counsel for his seemingly uncanny ability to sway close elections.

According to a press release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey has charged Craig Callaway, 64, on “one count of depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of the state of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process by the fraudulent procurement, casting, and tabulation of ballots.”

“Holding free and fair elections is a bedrock principle of our democracy. As alleged in the complaint, the defendant attempted to deprive New Jersey residents of a fair election by fraudulently procuring and casting ballots. Today’s charges reflect our office’s commitment to hold to account those who try to undermine the electoral process,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

“Voter fraud at any level chips away at the faith people have in our system,” FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy added.